Theft at military fortifications: officials from the military unit are under suspicion
13 March 14:12
Law enforcement officials have uncovered corruption schemes related to the construction of defensive lines in the Dnipropetrovsk region. According to the investigation, officials from a military unit, together with civilian accomplices, may have embezzled more than 14 million hryvnias in public funds.
This was reported by Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
Two schemes and five suspects
According to the investigation, the case involves one military unit and two separate embezzlement schemes.
Law enforcement officials have notified five people of their status as suspects, including military officials and civilian participants.
The case involves the possible embezzlement of over 14 million hryvnias allocated for the construction of defensive fortifications.
How the procurement scheme worked
According to the investigation, in 2024, officials organized the procurement of construction materials for fortifications at inflated prices.
The scheme worked as follows:
- companies under their control received direct contracts to supply materials;
- prices in the contracts were inflated by approximately 20% above market rates;
- budget funds were transferred to the companies’ accounts;
- afterward, the money was converted into cash or laundered.
Meanwhile, the actual materials for the defense positions were purchased at significantly lower prices.
An episode involving a unit commander
According to the investigation, one of the incidents was organized by a military unit commander holding the rank of colonel.
In just two months—May and June 2024—the state could have suffered losses of 7.3 million UAH.
He has been notified of suspicion under Article 191, Part 5 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (misappropriation or acquisition of property on an especially large scale).
Officials and civilian accomplices
According to the investigation, the following individuals were involved in another scheme:
- the head of the military unit’s public procurement group;
- an officer of that unit;
- his wife;
- a civilian arbitration manager.
According to law enforcement, they may have embezzled an additional 6.7 million hryvnias.
Progress of the investigation
Currently, preventive measures have already been imposed on the three suspects. According to the investigation, another person involved is in the hospital.
The investigation is ongoing. Law enforcement officials are examining the possible involvement of other officials and do not rule out that the total amount of damages may be higher.
