Embezzlement of 90 million during the purchase of drones: how the scheme worked (video)
28 October 23:01
The NABU and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office have exposed a corruption scheme in the State Special Communications Service related to the purchase of drones for the Defense Forces. Two officials of the agency and two representatives of private companies suspected of embezzling more than UAH 90 million of public funds were notified of suspicion. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to the press service of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office.
How the scheme worked
In 2023, the state allocated UAH 30 billion to the State Special Communications Service for the purchase of drones as part of strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities. The investigation found that the head of one of the department’s departments planned a mechanism to misappropriate part of these funds through fictitious competition and overpricing.
Related companies were involved to conduct “controlled” tenders that imitated competition. The winners were pre-determined suppliers who offered drones at prices that were 70-90% higher than market prices.
Overpriced procurement
According to the investigation, in May-September 2023, the State Special Communications Service purchased:
- 400 DJI Mavic 3 drones
- 1300 Autel Evo Max 4T drones.
The prices of these drones were artificially inflated, and the difference between the real cost and the amount of the contracts was transferred to private accounts through controlled companies.
Losses to the state
According to the investigation, the scheme resulted in losses to the state budget of more than UAH 90 million.
The scheme participants withdrew these funds to the accounts of controlled companies, including those abroad.
Due to timely actions of the NABU and the SAPO, more than USD 4 million was seized. USD on the accounts of companies abroad and UAH 17 million in Ukraine.
Two officials of the State Special Communications Service and two representatives of private companies were served notices of suspicion of embezzlement on a large scale (Part 5 of Article 191 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).
The investigation is ongoing, and other alleged participants in the fraud are being identified.
