In Sumy region, the SBU exposed embezzlement of raw materials from the biggest state-owned oil company for UAH 20 m. (USD 714,286).

According to the pre-trial investigation, the illegal scheme was organized by a group of individuals from the Romenskyi district of Sumy region, including those previously convicted of similar crimes. To pump raw materials, they regularly connected to state oil pipeline construction. Reportedly, illegally selected goods were stored at a nearby “oil depot”. Afterwards, the suspects transported the stolen oil to neighboring regions and processed into fuel at clandestine mini-factories for further sale.

Allegedly, the fraudsters managed to steal oil worth over UAH 20 m. (USD 714,286) in almost a year.

Law enforcement officers detained the organizer and two group members under Art.208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine on attempt to joint to another oil pipeline. They seized 20 tons of stolen state petroleum products and vehicles to transport it.

During searches of the perpetrators’ places of residence and work, SBU officers seized special equipment and other evidence of illicit activities.

The criminal proceedings were initiated for theft and unlawful manufacturing, storage, sale or transportation for selling purposes of illegally manufactured excisable goods.

The issue of serving the detainees suspicion notices is being resolved.

Investigation is ongoing. The involvement of other persons, in particular, officials of the state enterprise, is being identified.

The operation was carried out by the Unit for Combating Corruption and Organized Crime of the SBU Office in Sumy region and the SBU Main Directorate of Internal Security jointly with the Main Directorate of the State Fiscal Service in Sumy region under the supervision of the Regional Prosecutor's Office.