Losses Exceeded 10 Million: The SBU Uncovered Large-Scale Embezzlement in Procurement for the Trypilska and Zmiivska Thermal Power Plants
14 July 15:18
The Security Service of Ukraine reported that it had uncovered a large-scale scheme to embezzle state funds that were intended to ensure the stable operation of the energy infrastructure in the Kyiv and Kharkiv regions. According to the investigation, the losses incurred by PJSC “Centrenergo” exceeded 10 million hryvnias. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian", citing the SBU press service.
Law enforcement officials determined that the illegal scheme involved the procurement of materials for repairs at the Trypilska and Zmiivska thermal power plants. According to the SBU, the head of one of PJSC “Centrenergo’s” departments was involved in organizing the scheme, acting in collusion with two owners of affiliated supplier companies.
The investigation revealed that the official signed a contract for the supply of pipes to be used in repair work at the power facilities. However, instead of new products manufactured in 2024–2025—which were to be supplied in accordance with the tender terms—the contractors purchased old pipes of substandard quality that had been stored outdoors for a long time.
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To conceal the origin of the goods, the participants in the scheme, according to the investigation, applied counterfeit markings to the pipes and passed them off as new products. This allowed them to pocket the difference in value and divide the proceeds among themselves.
The SBU emphasizes that the use of such materials posed a danger not only to the state-owned enterprise but also to the energy system as a whole.
“In addition to causing multimillion losses, the use of obsolete materials could have jeopardized the stable operation of Ukraine’s key thermal power plants, especially during preparations for the new heating season,” the security service noted.
A series of expert examinations ordered by the Security Service confirmed that the delivered pipes did not meet state standards. According to the experts’ findings, the scheme caused losses to PJSC “Centrenergo” totaling 10.4 million hryvnias.
During authorized searches of the suspects’ residences and workplaces, as well as their vehicles, law enforcement officers seized cell phones, computer equipment, and documents which, according to the investigation, confirm the existence of a criminal scheme.
Currently, all three suspects have been charged under several articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, specifically regarding embezzlement on an especially large scale, forgery of documents, and abuse of official position.
The pre-trial investigation is ongoing. Law enforcement officials are identifying all individuals who may be involved in the illegal activities. If found guilty, the suspects face up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.
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