December 22, 2022 - In response to revelations that Russian private military and security company, the Wagner Group has doubled the number of its mercenaries in Ukraine, Sara Bandali, Director of International Engagement at Transparency International UK, said:

“News of the doubling of the Wagner Group’s forces in Ukraine is further evidence of its critical part in the Kremlin’s geopolitical goals. The Wagner Group has already been linked to civilian murders in countries including Ukraine, Central African Republic and Libya but as a private military security company it faces little regulation or accountability for its actions. There is a pressing need to regulate and investigate and where necessary prosecute groups like Wagner.”

Notes to editors:

The Hidden Costs report from Transparency International – Defence & Security explores the corruption and conflict risks caused by the growing privatisation of national security without proper regulation.