Yurchyshyn requests investigation into threats to Bihus, Lachenkov, Pro Kyiv

Verkhovna Rada Committee on Freedom of Speech chair Yaroslav Yurchyshyn has addressed the Prosecutor General’s Office, the National Police, and the State Bureau of Investigation, asking them to look into death threats by members of a crime group recently exposed by “operation Carthage” against journalists Denys Bihus, blogger Ihor “Lachen” Lachenkov, and Pro Kyiv team, Yurchyshyn has told Detector Media.

Yurchyshyn remarked in his parliamentary address that on the tapes released by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), alleged members of the crime group discussed targeting Denys Bihus. In particular, they considered physical assault, arson, and an acid attack. Lachenkov and Pro Kyiv were also mentioned in the conversations.

“This situation raises serious concern, since it may suggest not merely an intent to obstruct journalists’ lawful reporting, but also efforts to commit violent crimes against people who cover matters of public interest,” Yurchyshyn remarked.

READ MORE

• Lachen says he will not contact police over drug traffickers discussing attacking him

He said the situation took on particular significance in light of reports by NABU and SAP of individual law enforcement officials being implicated in the crime group’s activities.

“This makes it necessary to check their possible involvement in the threats in question and in other unlawful acts against media representatives,” the MP explained.

The MP asked law enforcement bodies to report whether proceedings have been opened over the possible threats against Denys Bihus and unlawful acts against Ihor Lachenkov and Pro Kyiv team.

If the information has not yet been entered into the Unified Register of Pre-Trial Investigations, he asks that it be examined and an investigation be launched if there are grounds for one.

Yurchyshyn also asked whether the tapes were being checked for signs of criminal offences under Article 171 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (obstruction of lawful reporting) and Article 345-1 (threats or violence against a journalist).

Furthermore, the MP asked the Prosecutor General’s Office, the National Police, and the State Bureau of Investigation to say whether they are looking into the possible involvement of law enforcement officials in “organising, facilitating, or concealing unlawful acts against the individuals in question.”

On 4 November, NABU and SAPO announced they had exposed a crime group named “U420” whose members had consistently shared their illegal profit with senior law enforcement officials in exchange for unhindered operation of scam call centres, drug trafficking, financial crimes, and crimes against people’s lives and health.

Intercepted conversations between group members, released by NABU and SAPO, showed that U420 members had planned to douse Denys Bihus in acid over his investigation.

In April 2026, Bihus.Info journalist Svitlana Stetsenko, who faced online harassment following the release of her investigation “The Truth About U420 ‘Souvenirs’: Expertise Findings”, contacted the police over the dangerous psychotropic substances her investigation revealed, but did not report the harassment and verbal threats targeting her.

Denys Bihus responded to the tapes on 5 November, saying he was surprised to hear about the planned attack on him.

Blogger Ihor “Lachen” Lachenkov said he would not contact the police over the tapes released in the “operation Carthage” case, which discussed attacking him.