The SBU jointly with the Road Service in Kharkiv region prevented UAH 1 billion (USD 36 m) state losses. A scam was planned by managers of a foreign company during road works.

The case related to tender for repair of a road of strategic importance in Kharkiv region in 2020. The works were to be financed from the state budget of Ukraine, and their expected cost was over UAH 1.3 billion (USD 47 m).

The analysis of tender documents revealed that the bidding foreign company provided forged papers. The company had every chance to win the tender by fraud.

It was established that an asphalt concrete plant specified in documents did not exist and its "address" was an abandoned site. In addition, there were other significant inconsistencies with requirements of tender documents.

According to experts, the offenders could have caused embezzlement of millions of budget funds.

The SBU timely informed the state enterprise to reject the bid of the foreign company for violation of the law.

The operation was conducted by the SBU Office in Kharkiv region coordinated by the SBU Main Directorate for Counterintelligence Protection of the State's Interests in the Sphere of Economic Security and assisted by the Road Service in Kharkiv region.

To remind, the State Road Agency of Ukraine (Ukravtodor) together with the USAID/UK aid “Transparency and Accountability in Public Administration and Services/TAPAS” Project is already working on development of the Register of Asphalt Concrete Plants containing data on issued certificates, USREOU of certified companies, geodata on plants, etc. This will prevent forgery of documents and participation of unscrupulous contractors in bidding.