The SSU Counterintelligence and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine have uncovered another scheme to embezzle state funds allocated for the fulfilment of defence orders. As a result of joint actions, the illegal activities of the management of a strategic enterprise of the defence-industrial complex in Dnipropetrovsk region have been uncovered.

According to the investigation, the plant’s First Deputy Director General organised a scheme to embezzle UAH 19.7 million in budget funds allocated for the purchase of metal raw materials.

The materials were intended to be used for the serial production of weapons and ammunition for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

For the scheme, the official involved the deputy head of the plant’s logistics department and the head of an affiliated company trading raw materials.

Together, they agreed to purchase the products at prices one-third above the market value of such goods.

The participants in the scheme subsequently converted the illicit ‘difference’ into cash.

During the searches conducted at the suspects’ premises, the law enforcement agencies seized mobile phones, computers, and documents containing evidence of the crime.

The First Deputy Director General of the plant and his two accomplices have been served with notices of suspicion under several Articles of the CCU:

• 191.5 – misappropriation or embezzlement of property through abuse of official position, committed on a particularly large scale or by an organised group;
• 27.5, 191.5 – aiding and abetting the misappropriation or embezzlement of property through abuse of official position, committed on a particularly large scale or by an organised group.

The decision on measures of restraint is pending. The suspects face up to 12 years’ imprisonment with confiscation of property.

The operation was carried out under the procedural supervision of the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office.