May 14, 2026, 3:45 p.m.
(ILLUSTRATION: AI)
While multimillion-dollar contracts for the protection of critical infrastructure in the Odesa region are being awarded without competition, a contract worth more than UAH 456 million was awarded to a company that is already mentioned in a criminal case for allegedly overcharging and possible violations during construction. The agreement was concluded without an open tender, and the only participant was a company from Mykolaiv.
This was reported by the Center for Public Investigations.
The Service for Infrastructure Restoration and Development in Odesa Oblast signed a contract for the reconstruction of the 118Sh facility worth over UAH 456 million. The procurement was made without competitive bidding, arguing that it was necessary to strengthen the protection of fuel and energy infrastructure facilities under martial law.
The contractor was Bereg Trans Bud LLC, which was the only participant in the procedure and agreed to perform the work for the full amount declared. The contract with the company was signed on May 12, 2026.
The procurement was carried out under a special procedure in accordance with Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 1178. The documents indicate that it is about the construction and engineering and technical protection of critical infrastructure facilities in the fuel and energy sector.
The project will be financed from the state budget as part of the program to protect critical infrastructure. The reconstruction is scheduled to be completed by February 11, 2027.
According to the YouControl analytical system, Bereg Trans Bud was registered in Mykolaiv in 2021. The authorized capital of the company is UAH 3 million, and its owner is Ruslan Bohlayov, who also controls several other construction companies.
In total, the company received more than UAH 677 million in public procurement, of which more than UAH 465 million was received in 2026 alone. Among the customers are PJSC Mykolaiv CHP, Kherson CHP, Kirovohrad Regional State Administration, Beryslav City Council and other entities.
In addition, the company is involved in criminal proceedings regarding the possible misappropriation of budget funds during the construction of a shelter for an educational institution.
According to the ruling of the Znamianka City District Court of Kirovohrad Oblast, the case concerns the construction of a shelter for the Intellect Lyceum in Znamianka. The contract value exceeded UAH 91 million. The contract for the work was signed in June 2025 between the Department of Capital Construction of the Kirovohrad Regional State Administration and Bereg Trans Bud LLC.
During the inspection of the estimate documentation, law enforcement officers found a possible overstatement of prices for certain materials and equipment compared to market indicators. Investigators believe this may indicate a possible attempt to misappropriate budget funds.
In addition, during the inspection of the facility, law enforcement officers recorded signs of poor quality of some of the work, as well as possible failure to complete certain construction and installation works in full. According to the investigation, this could have been the basis for the payment of funds for work that was not actually completed.
The case file states that the company's CEO, founder, foreman, and technical supervision representatives may be involved in possible violations. Investigators gained access to contracts, estimates, acts of completion, technical supervision logs, and financial documents.
The seized materials were planned to be used as evidence in criminal proceedings opened under articles on attempted misappropriation or embezzlement of property.
Also in Chornomorsk, the former MP's company was awarded a contract for energy protection for 84 million without an open tender. This businessman's companies have been previously mentioned in criminal proceedings for alleged tax evasion.
Анна Бальчінос