Photo: SSU press service.
SSU CI together with NABU detectives, with the assistance of the Minister of Defence and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, exposed a corruption scheme organised by officials of the Logistics Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. According to the investigation, during 2022-2023, the officials caused losses to the state budget in excess of UAH 27.3 million. This was reported by Time Ukraine Israel, citing the SBU press service.
How the corruption scheme worked
The investigation found that officials of the Ministry of Defence signed contracts for the purchase of spare parts for combat aircraft at significantly inflated prices. To do this, they created the appearance of competitive tenders by engaging a number of affiliated companies, including those with foreign registration.
This allowed the “right” intermediary company to win the tenders, which supplied products at inflated prices. The organisers of the fraud shadowed the “excess profits” through a network of controlled companies.
Responsibility of the defendants
Based on the evidence collected, both officials were served a notice of suspicion of abuse of power or position committed by a group of persons (Article 28(2) and 364(2) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). These articles provide for up to six years in prison.
The investigation is ongoing to establish all the circumstances of the crime, identify other participants in the scheme and bring them to justice. The issue of choosing a measure of restraint for the suspects is being decided.
Transparency of defence procurement in time of war
This case highlights the importance of transparency in defence procurement, especially in times of war. Every hryvnia from the state budget should be used exclusively to strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities and not become part of corruption schemes.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office of the Prosecutor General’s Office, continue to work to ensure accountability for all those involved in this crime.
