In Kyiv region, the SSU has exposed a company that carried out wholesale supplies of tactical medicine equipment to russia.

The owner of one of the largest companies in Ukraine manufacturing rubber and plastic products, including for military purposes, is suspected of organizing the scheme.

According to the investigation, the entity smuggled several batches of tactical tourniquets and bandages to russia in 2022-2023 for a total of over UAH 40 mln (USD 1 mln).

The goods were smuggled through one of the European states, where the suspected officials set up a controlled company that ordered the products supposedly to sell in the EU.

However, after receiving the tactical medical equipment, the foreign firm shipped it to russia.

On the territory of the aggressor state, the supplies were delivered to sanctioned companies providing equipment for the russian military.

Further, the tourniquets and bandages were included in the individual first aid kits for the ruscists fighting against Ukraine’s Defence Forces.

The occupiers also sent these medical supplies to russian military hospitals in the temporarily occupied regions of Ukraine.

The investigation revealed that the owner of the Ukrainian company, in order to conceal his criminal activities, had been ‘promoting’ his own image as a volunteer delivering medical supplies to Ukrainian soldiers.

During the searches at the suspects’ homes, offices, production and storage facilities, the SSU found mobile phones, computers and documents with evidence of the crime.

SSU investigators served the company owner a notice of suspicion under Articles 28.2, 111-2.1 of the CCU (aiding the aggressor state, committed by a group of persons after prior conspiracy).

The court is to decide on custody as a measure of restraint. The investigation is ongoing. The suspect faces up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The investigation is conducted under the procedural supervision of the Prosecutor General’s Office.

According to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of a crime and may not be subject to criminal punishment until their guilt is proven in line with the procedure defined by law and established by a relevant court’s verdict.