The SSU CI exposed a large-scale illegal production, misappropriation and export of components for combat aircraft to Russia. The offenders stole military goods during their production at a state-owned defenсe enterprise in Kharkiv region.

As part of the scam, Russians ordered spare parts for combat aircraft engines, particularly, for MiG-29, Su-27 and Su-30 fighters, as well as Mi-24 attack helicopters and Mi-35 transport and combat helicopters.

To smuggle components across the customs border, the criminals entered false information into the accompanying documents.

SSU operatives established that the officials of a state-owned enterprise and directors of affiliated private companies were behind the unlawful export. To illegally sell military goods, the network developed contacts in defence industry of Russia and a country in East Asia.

During the searches at the enterprise and offenders’ residences, law enforcement found:

• a large number of aircraft parts prepared for illegal transportation;
• draft accounting and USB flash drives with data confirming illegal activities.

The investigators are preparing notices of suspicion of violating the procedure for international transfer of goods subject to state export control and misappropriation, embezzlement of property through abuse of office.

Within the initiated criminal proceeding, a pre-trial investigation is underway to establish all the circumstances of the crime and to bring all involved to justice.

The operation was carried out under supervision of Kharkiv Region Prosecutor’s Office in cooperation with the Coordination Office for Security of Ukroboronprom State Concern.