The SSU jointly with the National Police have exposed Ukrainian businessmen who tried to sell a batch of tank engines to the Armed Forces of Ukraine at an artificially inflated price.

Representatives of one of domestic enterprises tried to sell 80 engines to the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine at a price of over UAH 77 mln (USD 2 mln).

Whereas, the market value of these engines is UAH 24 mln (USD 628,000).

The law enforcement blocked the attempt in a timely manner, preventing embezzlement of a large amount of budget funds.

During the searches of the warehouse, the law enforcement seized the tank engines, which the suspects intended to use to misappropriate public funds. Night vision devices and other components for armoured vehicles were also found.

A criminal proceeding was initiated under Article 191.5 of the CCU (misappropriation, embezzlement or seizure of property through abuse of office). The investigation is ongoing.

The suspects are facing up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.

At the initiative of the SSU and the National Police, the seized power units and other components for tanks, including T-72, have been handed over to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The SSU exposed the offence under the procedural supervision of the Prosecutor General’s Office.