The SSU has exposed the former chief of the Department for State Procurement and Supply of Material Resources of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine on misappropriation of state funds.

According to the investigation, this official purchased nearly 3,000 bulletproof vests for the Armed Forces of Ukraine for over UAH 100 mln (USD 2.4 mln). However, according to several independent examinations, the vests do not meet the requirements of Level IV body armour and cannot properly protect Ukrainian defenders.

Basing on the results of the SSU’s investigation, the official was served a notice of suspicion under the Articles of the CCU:

• 114-1.1 (obstruction of the lawful activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations);
• 191.5 (misappropriation, embezzlement or seizure of property through abuse of office);
• 28.2 (committing a criminal offence by a group of persons).

The crime is punishable by imprisonment for 5 to 8 years.

Court is to decide on a measure of restraint for the suspect.

The SSU has initiated a withdrawal of the batch of low-quality bulletproof vests to the MoD’s warehouses.

The SSU is also conducting investigative work in relation to other officials in the security and defence sector, who may be involved in unlawful activities that harm state security. These efforts are aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defence capabilities.

The SSU Main Directorate for Countering Systemic Threats to State Administration exposed the offence jointly with the SSU Main Investigation Directorate under the supervision of the Specialized Military and Defence Prosecutor’s Office.

According to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of a crime and cannot be subject to criminal punishment until their guilt is proven in line with the procedure defined by law and established by a relevant court’s verdict.