NABU Closes Archer Thermal Sight Investigation Over Lack of Evidence

National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) has completed the investigation into Archer, a company specializing in thermal imaging scopes, due to a lack of sufficient evidence. The bureau announced the decision on its Telegram channel. According to NABU, the initial basis for gathering materials was linked to financial monitoring data from an EU country, but a full analysis of the procurement circumstances led to the closure of the proceedings.

It should be noted that initial assessments do not always lead to establishing the fact of a crime or holding someone accountable. At the same time, such cases provide the basis for improving work and internal procedures

According to investigators, there was no criminal offense detected in Archer’s dealings with Ministry of Defense officials. The investigation into Archer began in 2023. In 2024 NABU conducted searches in the Czech Republic at Archer’s relocated facility. The company owner, Oleksandr Yaremenko, described those actions regarding the searches and the investigation itself as “sabotage”.

According to the investigation, Archer received 1.5 billion hryvnias from the Ministry of Defense for the supply of thermal imaging equipment to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, but delayed delivery by almost nine months.

To resolve this matter, NABU notes that after a full review of all circumstances, the decision was made to close the proceedings due to the absence of evidence of criminal activity by the company or related persons.

As a result of the case, the closure of the investigation helps strengthen the focus on the quality and transparency of checks in future procurements of thermal imaging equipment for the country’s defenders and improve the internal procedures of anti-corruption investigations.