Embezzlement at a cinema reconstruction exposed in Odesa region

Investigators discovered possible embezzlement of budget funds during the reconstruction of a summer cinema in Kryzhanivka. The court authorized an inspection of the facility to conduct a construction and technical examination.

This is evidenced by the ruling of the Southern City Court.

An investigation into possible embezzlement during the reconstruction of a summer cinema with a recreational area in the village of Kryzhanivka is underway in Odesa Oblast. Criminal proceedings were opened under Part 5 of Article 191 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine - misappropriation or embezzlement of property through abuse of office.

According to the investigation, on April 8, 2020, the Kryzhanivka Village Council announced a tender for the reconstruction of the cinema for more than 6 million. The winner was RD-Stroy SU-2, which made a not-so-cheap offer of UAH 5.490 million. The contract was signed with this company on May 21. Subsequently, the village council signed several additional agreements extending the deadline for the works until December 24, 2020, and reducing their final cost by UAH 5.327 million, which was transferred to the contractor in installments during 2020.

According to Prozorro, other bidders offered a lower price during the bidding process - AVRA was ready to complete the work for UAH 5 million, and Ukrbudkonstruktsion for UAH 5.489 million.

SCREENSHOT: Prozorro

This raised law enforcement suspicions of possible abuse by officials of the Lyman District State Administration and the contractor. Investigators believe that the cost of construction could have been overstated and some of the funds misappropriated.

On June 3, 2025, a forensic construction and technical examination was appointed to be performed by the Odesa Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise. To conduct it, experts need access to the facility itself. The court granted the request and allowed the inspection of the summer cinema building in Kryzhanivka and the surrounding area.

The inspection should establish the actual scope and real cost of the work performed, as well as confirm or refute the facts of possible overestimation of the reconstruction cost. The court order is valid for one month and cannot be appealed.

At the same time, in Odesa region, the company was awarded a contract for the overhaul of the roof of the Karakurt House of Culture in Bolhrad district. The State Audit Service launched an audit due to questionable tender conditions. At the same time, the company's director may be in custody in the case of misappropriation of budget funds during the renovation of the Odesa Cancer Center in 2023, where the scope and cost of work were overestimated.

Анна Бальчінос