In the city of Lviv, the Security Service of Ukraine exposed a scheme organized by officials of a state-owned enterprise of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. According to preliminary estimates, the suspects were causing losses to the state in the amount of UAH 500,000 (USD 18,000) per month.

The head of the enterprise and acting chief engineer set up a scheme for obtaining illegal benefit. Ignoring the established procedure, they leased warehouses at a lower cost without the approval of the Regional Office of the State Property Fund of Ukraine. The cost depended on the floor space of the leased warehouses.

The law enforcement detained the suspects red-handed, on receiving UAH 52,000 (USD 2,000).

During the searches of the suspects’ offices, the law enforcement officers seized draft records proving the illegal activity.

The detainees are to receive the suspicion notices of taking a bribe.

The investigation is ongoing to establish possible involvement of other officials in the illegal activities.

The operation was carried out by the SBU Office in Lviv region together with National Police investigators under the supervision of the Specialized Prosecutor's Office in the Military and Defense Spheres of the Western Region.