In Mykolaiv, investigators looked into payments made for 68 traffic lights that were never delivered

Vladislav Simonov, director of SEA Electronics Ukraine LLC, is suspected of embezzling more than 1.3 million hryvnias in connection with the supply of traffic lights to Mykolaiv. According to the investigation, he entered false information into documents regarding the fulfillment of contracts.

The Center for Public Investigations found that this involved two procurements by KSMEP. In one case, the company paid for five traffic lights that it never actually received; in the other, it paid for 68 traffic lights.

In August 2025, KSMEP Director Hryhoriy Patoka and Vladislav Simonov, director of SEA Electronics Ukraine LLC, signed a 1.98 million hryvnia contract for the supply of traffic lights and traffic controllers. The company transferred 130,600 hryvnias for five traffic lights, although investigators believe they had not been delivered at the time of payment.

In December, the municipal enterprise ordered another 68 traffic lights for over 1.2 million hryvnias. These funds were also transferred to the supplier, but in this case as well, KSMEP did not receive the equipment. According to the investigation, some of the traffic lights were manufactured as early as January 2026.

The case also involves the Kyiv-based company “Spetselektromontazh-7,” LLC, with which a second contract was signed. Investigators are reviewing documents from suppliers, the equipment manufacturer, and records related to the purchase, storage, and subsequent transfer of the equipment to KSMEP.

Separately, law enforcement is investigating KSMEP Director Hryhoriy Patoka and the company’s lead lawyer, Kateryna Patoka, who is his wife. According to investigators, they may have authorized payments for equipment that did not actually exist.

As reported by Intent, Patoka was notified of his status as a suspect in the embezzlement of budget funds. The court set his bail at 1.3 million hryvnias and subsequently suspended him from his position.

Анна Літман