Department Head of National Police: Ukraine ready to co-op with Azerbaijan, others - INTERVIEW

In an interview with Report, Vadym Dziubinsky, the head of the Criminal Investigation Department of the National Police of Ukraine, discussed various topics including crimes committed during the war, persons on international wanted lists, and acts of sabotage.

-  What are the statistics of crimes committed during the war? On what facts are more criminal cases filed?

- We distinguish between war-related crimes and other crimes. Compared to previous years, there is a slight tendency towards a decrease in general crime. In terms of the main types of crimes that the Criminal Investigation Department handles, there was an overall decrease of about 5% compared to last year. These include serious and particularly serious crimes, ranging from intentional murders to aggravated theft. While the dynamics of crime registration vary for different types, there is a general decrease in crime registration across all categories.

For instance, in 2024, we observed a decrease in the number of intentional murders, serious harm to health (which is a distinct category of crime), rape, and crimes against minors. After the occupation of the territories, citizens have reported instances of rape by Russian military personnel. While I cannot provide an exact number, these cases are significant. Such incidents are also occurring in the currently occupied territories.

- Are there any people who were put on the international wanted list during the war?

- Of course. We are constantly identifying such criminals. We have established a separate department within our Criminal Investigation Department that deals specifically with war crimes. Currently, we are conducting several criminal cases against specific members of the Russian military who have committed such crimes. We share these materials with international partners to have them declared wanted.

Regarding crime dynamics, thefts from citizens' homes, including apartments and living quarters, have decreased by 4,500 cases per year. Illegal seizure of vehicles has decreased by 423 cases, and armed robbery by 78 cases. There are both objective and subjective reasons for this. The introduction of a curfew, increased patrols on the streets of our cities, and the increase in checkpoints have significantly impacted street crime rates. As a result, we are currently observing a decrease in crime.

- How active are the attacks of sabotage groups? What places do they choose as targets most often?

- We must understand that the focus of the Russian special services—the FSB (Federal Security Service) and others—is constantly changing. They organize and reorganize sabotage activities themselves. We know that active sabotage groups are operating precisely along the demarcation line and the front line. The military and the police are dealing with them. Initially, the sabotage was directed against relay cabinets, but later they began targeting military vehicles and vehicles belonging to the Defense Forces.

A new type of sabotage involves the installation of explosive devices and attempts to blow up both the administrative buildings of the Territorial Recruitment Center and police stations. Last year, there were seven such incidents, all of which were solved. All the criminals were detained, and the connection between these saboteurs and the special services of the Russian Federation was confirmed. The police detained 2,968 people involved in sabotage activities.

- Does the Ukrainian police plan to exchange experience with any country? For example, with Azerbaijan.

- After the end of martial law, the criminal situation in the country may worsen for a certain period. Therefore, the police are taking all measures to prevent this from happening. We understand that the main problem our state and society may face is the amount of firearms in illegal circulation that will be in the hands of our citizens after martial law ends.

We are approaching this issue comprehensively. First, the police, along with other law enforcement agencies, are working daily to detect firearms and large-scale weapons and ammunition depots in the hands of citizens. We are also identifying and closing channels for the transfer of weapons and ammunition from the front line to peaceful areas.

An important step is the unprecedented adoption of a law on the declaration of firearms held illegally by citizens during martial law. Any person with an unregistered firearm can come to the police and declare this weapon. The police do not confiscate the weapon but take it into account and keep it at the citizen's disposal during martial law so that it can be used against military aggression from Russia.

Moreover, after the end of martial law, the state provides an opportunity for citizens to keep and legalize the weapon by following standard procedures for registering firearms in accordance with the law. We don't have the opportunities to equip civilians with automatic weapons or rifles, so we need to convert them into single-shot weapons. If these are rifles, they must be brought in line with the standards and norms that people have the right to own, thereby removing weapons from illegal circulation.

The law came into force in November 2024, and since then, 3,873 people have declared 4,239 firearms and 1,157,000 cartridges. If found in possession of undeclared weapons, individuals will be held criminally liable under Article 263 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine for illegal possession of weapons. For comparison, last year, the police confiscated 4,738 firearms, 500 more than were registered in three months. This indicates that our society trusts the police and the state in removing illegal firearms from circulation. This is one of the steps to make our streets and citizens safer after martial law ends.

We are constantly cooperating with all our partners, primarily with Europeans. I am confident that our state's leadership will continue utilizing the military personnel's experience currently engaged in operations. This experience is vital for protecting our state because there is no guarantee that martial law will not resume. Our army's experience is valuable not only for us but also for other states.

Organized crime is being prevented as much as possible. For banditry to exist, there must be a hierarchical structure of organized crime. Currently, we do not have the institution of a "thief in law." Two such individuals are under investigation and surveillance, while the remaining ones are in Türkiye or other countries. Banditry will not be tolerated here. We will do everything to prevent it. We are not the Soviet Union, nor the post-Soviet period, nor Afghanistan, but a different society altogether. There is a post-war program concept, and I believe there is potential for cooperation with Azerbaijan, as we are open to collaborating with all nations.

- How are police reforms going in Ukraine, a candidate for membership in the European Union? What programs do you use?

- The police are currently undergoing reforms. Firstly, we are fully implementing Ukrainian legislation, particularly criminal legislation, including operational and investigative activities, to align with European Union laws.

Secondly, we are developing various systems to maintain order, such as a video surveillance system. Currently, we have the Education Security Service program, which places an education security officer in schools to ensure a safe environment for our future generation.

In 2024, there were 1,100 murders in the state not related to military operations, of which only six remain unsolved. For rape cases, nearly 100% were solved, meaning all criminals have been identified and will be brought to justice.

Police officers are also involved in evacuating citizens and delivering food and medicine, even to the front lines. Our work has impressed foreign colleagues, who often utilize our experience.

The entire system cannot be judged by isolated unpleasant incidents. My priority is the safety and peace of Ukrainian citizens. We are truly open and always ready to help.