The SSU and the NABU have uncovered a high-ranking official of the PJSC National Power Company Ukrenergo involved in corruption.

The suspect is a department head who in the spring of 2022 organized a purchase of bulletproof vests for the company’s employees at an artificially high cost.

To do this, the official hired an affiliated firm that does not even have permits or licenses for the production of military ammunition. In fact, this ‘contractor’ has never produced bulletproof vests.

According to the investigation, the department head used public funds to purchase a batch of body armour from this company at twice the market price.

This resulted in budget losses of over UAH 10 mln.

As a result of the SSU and the NABU investigations, the now former official of Ukrenergo was served a notice of suspicion under Article 364.2 of the CCU (abuse of power or position, causing grave consequences).

The court is to decide on a measure of restraint. The investigation is ongoing.

The suspect faces up to 6 years in prison.

The operation was conducted under the procedural supervision of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’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 the court’s verdict.