The SSU, in cooperation with the National Police and the Prosecutor’s Office, has uncovered a scheme involving the embezzlement of public funds allocated for the construction of protective structures at an energy infrastructure facility in Mykolaiv region.

According to the investigation, the perpetrators misappropriated nearly UAH 68 million through the scheme. At the same time, the anti-drone protective structures that the contractor was obligated to install have still not been put in place.

According to the case files, the scheme was organized by the 37-year-old director of a private company.

The investigation established that this individual’s firm was contracted by a state-owned company to construct defenses against enemy drones at an energy facility in Mykolaiv region.

The total value of the contract amounted to UAH 90 million.

Under the terms of the contract, the customer was required to provide the contractor with an advance payment amounting to nearly 80% of the contract value, subject to the submission of a bank guarantee. Exploiting this mechanism, the suspect obtained an advance payment of nearly UAH 68 million, despite having no intention of fulfilling the contractual obligations, as established by the investigation.

Although the work was to be completed within 240 days of signing the contract, the company never commenced execution.

According to the case files, in an attempt to conceal the origin of the misappropriated funds and subsequently launder them, the suspect transferred the money to other companies under his control.

During searches, law enforcement officers seized evidence confirming the suspect’s criminal activities, including the company’s incorporation documents, accounting records, computer equipment containing correspondence, and other relevant materials.

The investigators have served the suspect with a notice of suspicion under Article 191.5 of the CCU (misappropriation, embezzlement, or acquisition of property through abuse of office, committed by a group of persons acting in prior conspiracy and involving particularly large-scale losses).

The offender faces up to 12 years in prison with disqualification from holding certain positions and confiscation of property.

The investigation is ongoing to identify other individuals involved in the scheme.

The operation was carried out under the procedural supervision of the Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office.