The SSU has exposed large-scale embezzlement of state funds allocated for feeding the units of the Defence Forces.

The losses caused to Ministry of Defence by the scheme amount to over UAH 119.5 mln (USD 2.9 mln).

According to the investigation, officials of one of the MoD departments entered into agreements with heads of two commercial entities for supply of wholesale batches of food to the sites of deployment.

The budget money was transferred to the accounts of companies which did not even have production facilities and technological equipment to provide such goods and services.

Instead of supplying the Armed Forces with food, the offenders diverted funds to ‘shadow’ economy through several affiliated companies.

Based on the evidence collected, two company heads involved in the scheme have been notified of suspicion under the Article 191.5 of the CCU (misappropriation, embezzlement or seizure of property through abuse of office).

The investigation is ongoing to establish the involvement of the MoD officials in the unlawful activities.

As a result of another investigation in Kyiv region, the SSU exposed a commander of a military unit on embezzlement of almost UAH 2.4 mln (USD 60,000) allocated for the personnel’s food.

The serviceman involved four of his subordinates and businessmen, who entered false information in the reporting documentation to conceal the kickback.

Investigators will notify the exposed individuals of suspicion of crimes under the Articles of the CCU:

• 191.5 (misappropriation, embezzlement or seizure of property through abuse of office);
• 369.1 (offering, promising or giving an unlawful benefit to an official).

Court is to decide on a measure of restraint.

The SSU carried out the operational and investigative activities jointly with the National Police investigators under the supervision of the Prosecutor General’s Office and the Specialized Military and Defence Prosecutor’s Office of the Central Region.