The SBU exposed a corruption scheme organized by the former officials of the Odesa Regional Council and directors of state-owned enterprises. They illegally used the land belonging to the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences.

Allegedly, the scheme was based upon illegal use of land plots of the Odesa State Agricultural Experimental Station of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences. The SBU operatives established that the organizer of the scheme was a former head of the Odesa regional council. Using two companies , he, in conspiracy with the heads of the state-owned enterprises, “facilitated” unfavorable conditions for growing agricultural products on the lands of the National Academy.

Under the terms of the contracts, 80 percent of the harvest became the property of businesspeople. In addition, the volume of products received was significantly underestimated in the official reports. In fact, the participants sold the harvest at market value. As a result of the illegal activity, the enterprises of the National Academy have become unprofitable, and the profit from the use of highly liquid lands does not go to the state budget.

The law enforcement conducted 10 searches of the organizers’ residences, offices, legal and actual locations of the enterprises of the Odesa State Agricultural Experimental Station. Draft documents, computer equipment, statutory documents of enterprises, including those registered and located in Russia, were seized.

The investigation is ongoing upon the fact of misappropriation, embezzlement or conversion or property by malversation and evasion of taxes, fees or other compulsory payments.

The operation was conducted jointly with the State Tax Service in Odesa region, under the supervision of Odesa Region Prosecutor's Office.