The SBU jointly with the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine (SZRU) prevents the systematic misappropriation of aircraft spare parts from a strategic domestic enterprise.

Allegedly, the illegal scheme was organized by the owners of a Russian air company. At their request, mediators, including officials of the strategic enterprise, stole engines and aircraft spare parts for Mi-2, Mi-8, Mi-17 helicopters and the updated models.

Afterwards, they exported the stolen spare parts without customs control. The offenders used forged documents to sell the equipment to defense companies in the Middle East and the former CIS countries.

The operation was carried out by SBU operatives in cooperation with the SZRU. The law enforcement officers detained the suspects on attempt to sell the aircraft engine worth USD 980,000.

The technical examination established that the engine is a dual-use item and can be installed on military helicopters.

During the searches of Ukrainian mediators’ residences and offices, the SBU officers seized aircraft spare parts for Mi-2 and Mi-8 helicopters as well as draft records proving the unlawful activities.

Currently, the law enforcement detained the head of department of the strategic enterprise pursuant to Article 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine. The official was served a notice of suspicion of misappropriation, embezzlement or conversion of property by malversation. The official is under house arrest.

Investigative actions are ongoing to identify all the persons involved.

The operation was conducted under the supervision of the Dnipropetrovsk Region Prosecutor's Office.