The Security Service of Ukraine has uncovered a scheme to misappropriate funds of PJSC Centrenergo allocated by the state to ensure the uninterrupted operation of the energy infrastructure in Kyiv and Kharkiv regions.

According to the case materials, the scheme involved the embezzlement of more than UAH 10 million during the procurement of materials for the repair of the Trypilska and Zmiivska Thermal Power Plants.

The investigation established that the scam was organized by the head of one of the departments of PJSC Centrenergo together with two accomplices, who are owners of affiliated private supplier companies.

To implement the scheme, the official concluded a contract with the contractors for the supply of pipes for work at the energy facilities.

However, instead of the new products manufactured in 2024–2025 as required under the procurement procedures, the suspects purchased old, low-quality pipes that had been stored in an open warehouse.

To conceal the actual year of manufacture and origin of the goods, the perpetrators applied false markings to the pipes and presented them as new. They then divided the money they had ‘saved’ among themselves. In addition to causing multimillion-hryvnia losses, the use of outdated materials could have jeopardized the stable operation of Ukraine’s key thermal power plants, particularly during preparations for the upcoming heating season.

Comprehensive forensic examinations initiated by the Security Service confirmed that the quality of the supplied pipes did not comply with the requirements of the state standard, resulting in losses to PJSC Centrenergo amounting to UAH 10.4 million.

During searches conducted at the suspects’ workplaces, residences, and vehicles, law enforcement officers seized mobile phones, computer equipment, and documentation containing evidence of the criminal scheme.

At present, all three suspects have been served with notices of suspicion under several articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine:

•        191.5 (misappropriation, embezzlement of property or acquisition of property through abuse of official position, committed on an especially large scale or by an organized group);
•        358.1 (forgery of documents, seals, stamps, and forms, as well as the use of forged documents, seals, and stamps);
•        364.2 (abuse of power or official position).

The pre-trial investigation is ongoing to bring all persons involved in the unlawful activities to justice. The offenders face up to 12 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property.

The operation was carried out by officers of the Main Office of the Security Service of Ukraine in Kyiv and Kyiv Region under the procedural supervision of the Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office.