Vladimir Nikolaevich Tsenov — Police Colonel, First Deputy Head of the Strategic Investigations Department of the National Police of Ukraine. In Ukrainian documents — Volodymyr Mykolayovych Tsenov. On 4 November 2026, ‘Babel’, citing sources, reported his arrest during an anti-corruption operation in which SBU General Serhiy Duka was also named. [1][8]
Vladimir Tsenov’s career: internal security and the DSR
According to a biographical article in ‘My Kyiv Region’, between 2017 and 2019, Tsenov served as deputy head of the National Police’s Department of Internal Security. In 2020, he moved to the Department of Strategic Investigations and initially headed one of its divisions. [3]
This is not merely a journalistic description of his position: on the National Police’s official contact page, he is listed as First Deputy Head and Colonel. An official document from the DSR dated 23 December 2025 is also signed by Vladimir Nikolaevich Tsenov as First Deputy Head. [1][2]
In April 2026, the media reported that he had been appointed to head the DSR following Andrei Rubel. It is important here to distinguish between a permanent post and acting in an interim capacity: in a report by ‘Babel’ dated 4 November, Tsenov is referred to as the first deputy, acting as head on an interim basis. [3][8]
Vladimir and Dmitry Tsenov: two different people
‘My Kyiv Region’ refers to Vladimir as a brother Dmitry Nikolaevich Tsenov, former head of the Kyiv Regional Police. Their biographies and photographs must not be conflated. Information regarding Dmitry’s previous service, his education or his retirement does not automatically apply to Vladimir. Vladimir’s date of birth has not been established in verified sources. [3]
Public engagement: the tobacco market and business advocacy
On 7 March 2024, the National Police reported on a meeting with representatives of the tobacco industry, at which Tsenov represented the DSR. Discussions centred on the illegal production and trade in cigarettes, as well as cooperation between law enforcement agencies and legitimate manufacturers. Tsenov reported on the results of the unit’s work in this area. [6]
On 14 September 2026, the official police website named him as a participant in a meeting with the Business Ombudsman’s Council. The topics discussed were complaints from business owners and the oversight of investigations affecting business operations. These reports document Tsenov’s public official duties without assessing the outcome of the anti-corruption investigation. [7]
Declaration for 2025: income and assets
In the copy of the declaration published by YouControl, submitted on 31 March 2026 for the year 2025, Tsenov is listed as the first deputy head of the DSR. An extract from the document is provided below; this is information provided by the declarant, not illegal assets identified by the investigation. [4][5]
| Indicator | What is stated for 2025 |
|---|---|
| Tsenov’s salary at the DSR | 931,577 UAH |
| Sale of electricity under the green tariff | 37,762 UAH |
| His wife’s business income | 1,964,300 UAH |
| His wife’s salary at ‘Terrafood’ | 238,134 UAH |
| Tsenov’s personal cash holdings | $40,000 and €30,000 |
| Residential property, 572.2 m² | Ownership stated |
| Residential property, 240.1 m² | A different right of use is specified |
| 2018 Mazda CX-5 | Property owned by his spouse; Tsenov holds a right of use |
The source of the table is a published copy of the declaration. The right to use a house cannot be equated with a claim to ownership of it. Cash savings are also not equivalent to annual income: data from previous periods is required to determine their origin. [4]
Report on his arrest on 4 November 2026
‘Babel’ reported on Tsenov’s detention, citing sources within the law enforcement agencies. The same article mentions Sergei Duka, Alexander Demyanchuk and Alexander Rybalko. The mere fact that a name appears in a publication does not constitute an individual notification of suspicion. The text of the charges against Tsenov and the decision on the preventive measure were not found in the materials examined. [8]
The NABU’s official press release on the new phase of the ‘Carthage’ operation describes an organisation comprising at least 12 people, as well as the use of call centres and other illegal activities as a front for corruption. Tsenov is not named personally in this text. Therefore, the actions described therein cannot be attributed entirely to him without additional documentation. [9]
Timeline
| Period | Event under investigation |
|---|---|
| 2017–2019 | Work in the leadership of the Department of Internal Security, according to a biographical publication. [3] |
| 2020 | Transfer to the DSR. [3] |
| 07.03.2024 | Participation in a meeting on the illicit tobacco market. [6] |
| 23.12.2025 | The official document was signed whilst he held the post of First Deputy Head of the DSR. [2] |
| 31.03.2026 | Submission of the 2025 declaration. [4] |
| 14.09.2026 | Participation in a meeting with the Business Ombudsman. [7] |
| 04.11.2026 | Report from ‘Babel’ sources regarding the detention. [8] |
Updated on 4 November 2026. His date of birth has not been established in verified sources. In ongoing investigations, guilt is determined by a court.
Sources
- National Police of Ukraine — Vladimir Tsenov’s position and rank
- National Police of Ukraine — official DSR document dated 23 December 2025, signed by Vladimir Tsenov
- My Kyiv Region — Vladimir Tsenov’s career and photograph, 30 April 2026
- YouControl — published copy of Vladimir Tsenov’s 2025 declaration, submitted on 31 March 2026
- NAZK — Vladimir Tsenov’s 2025 declaration form
- National Police — Vladimir Tsenov’s participation in a meeting on the illicit tobacco market, 7 March 2024
- National Police — meeting with the Business Ombudsman attended by Vladimir Tsenov, 14 September 2026
- Babel — sources reported the detention of Duka, Tsenov and other officials, 4 November 2026
- NABU — a new criminal organisation as part of Operation ‘Carthage’, 4 November 2026
