Embezzlement of funds of the Ministry of Defense: the case on the purchase of aircraft tires worth more than UAH 27 million is sent to court
6 January 14:12
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) have sent to court a case regarding the misappropriation of funds of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine in the amount of more than UAH 27 million during the purchase of aircraft tires. A former assistant to a Ukrainian MP, former Defense Ministry officials, and an entrepreneur will be brought to trial, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports, citing NABU.
According to the investigation, the heads of structural units of the Logistics Forces Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine helped a private company win tenders for the purchase of aircraft components. To simulate competition, only “their” participants were allowed to bid. Offers from others were rejected or distorted, even if they were more favorable.
The owner of the company purchased products directly from manufacturers through a company controlled and registered in the EU. Then he resold it through his company at prices that were 2-3 times higher.
He was assisted by an assistant to a Ukrainian MP, who made sure that the Ministry of Defense paid all bills under the contracts.
As a result of the fraud, the Armed Forces Logistics Forces overpaid UAH 27.3 million for components. The defendants legalized the money and used it at their own discretion.
Qualification of the defendants’ actions:
– employees of the Logistics Forces: misappropriation of property and abuse of power (Part 5 of Article 191, Part 2 of Article 28, Part 2 of Article 364 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).
– owner of a company: misappropriation of property and legalization of proceeds of crime (Part 5 of Article 191, Part 3 of Article 209 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).
– former MP’s aide: aiding and abetting in the misappropriation of funds (Part 5 of Article 27, Part 5 of Article 191 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).
The scheme was exposed in June 2025 with the assistance of the SBU.
