In Odesa region, the SSU uncovered large-scale embezzlement of social benefits funds. State losses amount to over UAH 5 m (USD 190,000).

The illegal scheme was organized by the officials of Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi State District Administration and their accomplice.

Over 2018-2020, they applied for payments on behalf of individuals, who at some point had received social benefits, without their knowledge. The funds were paid to the social benefits bank cards, which were provided by insider bank employees.

The SSU identified that the employees of District social protection and healthcare department entered incorrect information to databases, duplicated the documents necessary to apply for social benefits and arranged illegal payments. Then they involved their accomplice to withdraw cash from ATMs. 

The 6 searches at the suspects’ homes led to seizure of computers and bank cards with the evidence of illegal activity.

3 officials of the District Administration and their accomplice were served notices of suspicion of embezzlement of property through abuse of office.

The investigation is on-going to establish and bring to justice all the individuals involved.

The SSU Odesa Region Office carried out the operation jointly with the National Police under the supervision of the Prosecutor’s Office.