NABU uncovers corruption scheme at Ukroboronprom worth over UAH 32 million: what is known
11 March 16:02
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) have exposed an organized criminal group that embezzled more than UAH 32 million from state-owned enterprises belonging to the Ukroboronprom concern between 2014 and 2019, according to Komersant.
In addition, the group attempted to embezzle another UAH 19 million.
How the scheme worked
According to the investigation, the criminal scheme involved artificially involving foreign companies (registered in the UK and the Czech Republic) to provide intermediary services in foreign economic contracts for military products and services.
- In fact, all the work was performed by full-time employees of the state-owned enterprise.
- The intermediaries were paid over $560,000 (UAH 13.3 million) and almost €670,000 (UAH 19.3 million).
- The funds passed through the accounts of fictitious companies and were distributed among the members of the criminal group.
Attempts at new deals
Between 2016 and 2019, officials of the special export company drew up documents for payments to non-resident companies totaling approximately $172,000 and €500,000. However, these transactions did not take place due to active investigative actions by NABU and SAP.
Who are the suspects
- Former director of a state-owned enterprise (currently deputy CEO of Ukrainian Defense Industry JSC)
- Former advisor to the director of a special export company
- Beneficiary of a private company
Some of the suspects also appear in another case involving the misappropriation of UAH 146 million from state-owned enterprises belonging to the concern.
Qualification and investigation
The suspicions are classified under the following articles: Part 5 of Article 191, Part 3 of Article 209, Part 3 of Article 15, Part 5 of Article 191, Part 2 of Article 28, and Part 1 of Article 366 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
The investigation is ongoing, and other episodes of criminal activity are being established.
Disclaimer: According to the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is considered innocent until proven guilty in court.
