The SBU cyber specialists prevented the large-scale embezzlement of public funds on the government’s Laptop for every teacher program and exposed the perpetrators on trying to organize the scheme of kickbacks at the purchase of about 60,000 laptops. Thanks to the coordinated actions of the SBU, Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, Ministry of Education, it was possible to prevent losses of the state budget by UAH 300 m (USD 11 m).

This was stated by the Acting Head of the SBU Department of Cyber Security Illia Vitiuk at the briefing in the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.

“We received the data about the intention to organize a large-scale corruption scheme during the implementation of the state government program Laptop for every teacher. Some individuals wanted to ensure the illegal conspiracy of IT market participants and stated they were allegedly authorized to do so by the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine. The SBU disclosed that the amount of the scam would be 30% of kickbacks from the subvention, UAH 300 m (USD 11 m). With these funds, thousands more laptops could be bought for the teachers”, noted Illia Vitiuk.

According to the Head of the SBU Department of Cyber Security, the SBU officers warned about the scheme the Ministry of Digital Transformation and the Ministry of Education of Ukraine, dealing with this subvention. “Together we held a meeting and invited market participants, about 30 IT companies. We dispelled the myth that the scheme is covered by the Ministry of Finance and told companies to abandon criminal plans before it is too late. We warned them that kickbacks are unacceptable, and if someone violates the law, the reaction will be quick and tough”, noted Illia Vitiuk.

Before the intervention of the SBU, Ukrainian businessmen were ready to accept the demands of criminals. “Currently all tenders have been sent for additional examination,” explained Illia Vitiuk.

Taking into account that government program Laptop for every teacher is a state subvention of UAH 980 m (USD 36,5 m) for the purchase of laptops for teachers from different regions of Ukraine, 30% of kickbacks would mean losses to the state of more than UAH 300 m (USD 11 m). The SBU continues to keep the situation under control, and in case of violations it will react decisively and toughly.