Butusov: Operation Carthage revealed the massive influence of the drug mafia on the leadership of law enforcement agencies

Shocking results of international investigation

Renowned journalist Yuri Butusov shared his observations regarding the aftermath of the international operation "Carthage". In a video comment, he emphasised that the scale of corruption managed to be documented is unprecedented. In his assessment, the investigation demonstrated how deeply criminal structures had integrated into the state governance system.

Bribery of leadership in key agencies

Butusov noted that he was surprised by the level of penetration of representatives of the international drug mafia into the highest echelons of power. The journalist stressed that it was established that a large number of officials in the Prosecutor General's Office, the National Police, and the Security Service of Ukraine were bribed by one of the drug dealers.

«Масштаб проникнення кримінальних угруповань міжнародної наркомафії у державну владу на всі вищі рівні правоохоронних органів, в усю правоохоронну систему, я, звичайно, такого не очікував» (The scale of the penetration of criminal groups of the international drug mafia into state power at all the highest levels of law enforcement agencies, into the entire law enforcement system, I, of course, did not expect such), — stated Yuri Butusov.

Dangerous trends for the state

The journalist added that the situation, where only one representative of the drug business was able to ensure such a level of influence, raises a natural question about the general level of corruption in the country. He noted that dozens, or perhaps even hundreds, of similar criminal groups operate in Ukraine.