The SBU exposed a large-scale corruption scheme organized during the procurement of personal protective equipment for the Ukrainian army. Using the situation with COVID-19, the perpetrators planned to illegally obtain benefit of UAH 1 million (USD 36,300).

Allegedly, the scheme was set up by the head of the Medical Forces Command jointly with a medical officer of the Armed Forces, an official of the State Inspectorate for Energy Supervision and a mediator. The suspects demanded a bribe of UAH 1 million from a representative of a medical mask distributive company. In return, the participants of the scheme promised the entrepreneur to ensure his victory in open bidding. The size of the bribe depended on the amount of delivered masks - 1 UAH from each mask.

A few days ago, the SBU documented the perpetrators on receiving UAH 400,000 (USD 14,500) - the first part of the illicit payoff. They immediately divided the money among themselves and, allegedly, handed it over to other officials from the Medical Forces Command.

The organizers of the deal were detained in accordance with Art. 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine during the transfer of the final part of the payoff - UAH 600,000 (USD 22,000).

During 13 searches of the suspects' residences and offices, the law enforcement officers seized money handed over to the suspects the day before.

Criminal proceedings were initiated upon the fact of acceptance of the offer, promise or reception of illegal benefit by the official (Part 3 of Art. 368 of the Criminal code of Ukraine). The issue of serving the notice of suspicion and choosing a measure of restraint is being resolved.

Investigation is ongoing. All the circumstances of the case are being established. The involvement of other servicemen and commanders of the Medical Forces Command in the corruption scheme is being checked.

The operation was performed by the SBU Main Department for Combating Corruption and Organized Crime jointly with State Bureau of Investigation, under the supervision of the Specialized Military Prosecutor's Office of the Prosecutor General's Office.