The Security Service and the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine have exposed the former CEO and commercial director of PJSC Zaporizhzhiaoblenergo, who caused losses to the company amounting to UAH 730 mln (USD 17,5 mln).

According to the investigation, the company officials entered into an agreement with an industrial enterprise for supply of electricity to its production facilities in 2019.

Under the agreement, the manufacturer was to receive electricity from the state-owned company at a second-class tariff, which is applicable to industrial facilities that do not have their own substation.

In this case, the cost of electricity increases significantly due to additional use of high-voltage lines and cable systems to deliver it to the consumer.

However, as the investigation revealed, the plant actually received electricity at a first-class tariff, which significantly reduced its cost.

At the same time, the former top management of the energy company did not verify the origin of the electricity and allowed losses.

The findings of an independent examination confirmed the losses caused to the company at UAH 730 million.

The investigation also found that the former head of the energy company had illegally collected confidential information about his subordinates. For this purpose, he took photographs of the victims’ personal data.

Based on the evidence, both individuals have been notified of suspicion under Article 367.2 of the CCU (official negligence resulting in serious consequences).

The actions of the former director general were additionally qualified under Article 182.2 (violation of privacy).

The suspects face up to 5 years in prison.

The investigation is ongoing and is carried out under the procedural supervision of the Office of the Prosecutor General.