Scheme on tenders: NABU and SAPO expose group that caused losses to Ukrzaliznytsia of more than 15 million
22 September 2025 19:46
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office have opened an investigation into the case of abuse in procurement at Ukrzaliznytsia JSC. This was reported by the NABU press service, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
According to detectives, in 2022-2023, a group of people organized a scheme that allowed them to seize the state-owned company’s funds worth more than UAH 15 million.
How the scheme worked
Investigators found out that the organizer, through controlled employees of the UZ branch “Production Support Center,” facilitated the victory of “his” companies in tenders. If third-party companies participated and offered a lower price, the bidding was canceled.
After that, contracts were signed for the supply of paints and linoleum at an inflated price. The scheme participants distributed the proceeds at their own discretion.
Who is involved in the case
The suspects include:
- the organizer of the group
- two representatives of the supplier companies;
- a former deputy head of the UZ branch.
They are charged with Part 5 of Article 191 of the Criminal Code – misappropriation or embezzlement of property on a particularly large scale.
In addition, the investigation established another episode: in February-April 2023, the same individuals tried to repeat the scheme, but this was prevented by the NABU and SAPO investigation. This fact is classified as an attempted crime.
What’s next
The investigation is ongoing. If proven guilty, the suspects could face up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.
Constitutional guarantee
The investigation reminds that according to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This is not the first time Ukrzaliznytsia has been at the center of corruption scandals. The company, which is one of the largest state employers and recipients of budget funds, has been facing problems with procurement transparency for years. According to anti-corruption authorities, logistics and supply are often the areas of risk for abuse.
