The SSU Counterintelligence, together with the SBI, has uncovered a new episode of unlawful activity by the former Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine. Together with his accomplices, the official purchased another batch of low-quality bulletproof vests for the Ukrainian military in 2022, thus embezzling over UAH 948 mln (USD 24.6 mln) of budget funds.

According to the investigation, the suspect’s two former subordinates - the ex-head of the Defence Ministry’s Public Procurement Department and the ex-head of the AFU Logistics Central Department - were also involved in the crime.

In 2022, the organizers of the scheme concluded a contract for a supply of a large batch of bulletproof vests with an Eastern European company whose beneficial owners are citizens of the aggressor state.

However, the examination of the purchased armour plates revealed that they did not meet the declared protection class and therefore posed a risk to the lives of servicemen in a combat situation.

The persons involved have now been notified of suspicion under the following Articles of the CCU:

• 28.2, 114-1.2 (obstruction of lawful activities of the AFU and other military formations committed in a special period, which led to grave consequences, committed by a group);
• 191.5 (embezzlement of property by abuse of office, on an especially large scale, under martial law and by prior conspiracy by a group).

The investigation is underway. The suspects face up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.

Earlier, the SSU had exposed the former Deputy Minister of Defence and former head of the Defence Ministry’s Public Procurement Department on another episode of purchasing low-quality bulletproof vests for the Armed Forces. In February 2023, they were found to have purchased almost 3,000 low-quality bulletproof vests worth over UAH 100 mln (USD 2.6 mln).

The two are currently in custody as suspects in other criminal proceedings.

The investigation is carried out under the procedural supervision of the Specialized Military and Defence Prosecutor’s Office of the Prosecutor General’s Office.

According to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of a crime and may not be subjected to criminal punishment until their guilt is proven in line with the procedure defined by law and established by a relevant court’s verdict.