In Poltava region, the SBU exposed a large-scale stealing of liquefied gas by the officials of the JSC Ukrgazvydobuvannia. According to preliminary estimates, the state losses top UAH 4 m.(USD 142,857).

Allegedly, the company sold gas to commercial entities that won tenders. SBU operatives established that the offenders loaded fuel tanks of businessmen by 4-6 tons more than the officially purchased. To conduct illegal business, the organizers forged official documents of the state enterprise.

Then businessmen illegally resold fuel at gas stations in several Ukrainian regions. According to preliminary data, in the first quarter of 2021 alone, the organizers stole almost 200 tons of liquefied gas amounting to almost UAH 4 m. (USD 142,857).

Law enforcement officers detained the offenders red-handed while loading two fuel tanks at the JSC Ukrgazvydobuvannia facility. During the searches of the offenders’ offices and residences, the SBU seized:

• over UAH 2.2 m. (USD 78,571) in cash;
• equipment for draining of liquefied gas;
• draft documentation on illegally sold products;
• trucks;
• 50 tons of liquefied gas.

Urgent investigative actions are underway.  After its results the SBU is going to serve the detainees suspicion notices of misappropriation, embezzlement or conversion or property by malversation.

The operation was carried out jointly with the Poltava Region Prosecutor's Office, the National Police Investigation Department in Poltava region with the assistance of security officers of PJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine, and the Security Police Department in Poltava region.