In Odessa, six years after the renovation of a sports field, allegations of embezzlement have surfaced

Six years have passed since the renovation of the sports complex in Odesa, but the case has taken a new turn. Investigators are gathering documents to determine whether budget funds were actually used for their intended purpose and whether the work performed corresponds to what the state paid for. 

This was reported by Intent, citing a ruling by the Primorsky District Court of Odessa 

The judge authorized investigators to obtain documents in the criminal proceeding concerning the possible misappropriation of public funds during the major renovation of a multifunctional sports complex with an artificial surface. This investigation has been ongoing since July 2023.

As stated in the court ruling, the basis for the investigation was Contract No. 44, concluded on July 24, 2020, following an open tender between the Department of Capital Construction and Road Infrastructure of the Odesa Regional State Administration and a contractor for the major renovation of the sports field.

During the pretrial investigation, the prosecutor ordered a construction and technical examination. Subsequently, the expert filed a motion requesting additional materials necessary to conduct the examination. Investigators also attempted to obtain documents from the contractors but were unable to do so.

In light of this, the prosecutor filed a motion with the court requesting temporary access to the original documents held by the Department of Capital Construction and Road Infrastructure of the Odesa Regional State Administration. These include contracts, supplementary agreements, design and cost estimate documentation, certificates of completion, technical supervision logs, payment documents, accounting records, and other materials related to the performance of repairs and payment for the work.

According to the investigation, these documents are necessary to verify that the work actually performed corresponds to the project documentation, to verify the scope and cost of the work, and to conduct forensic economic and handwriting analyses.

The court partially granted the motion. Investigators were permitted to access the original documents and make duly certified copies. At the same time, the court denied the request to seize the originals themselves, as the prosecutor failed to demonstrate the necessity of such a measure.

The BEB is also investigating allegations of abuse of office by the head of the Production and Technical Department of the Odesa City Council’s Capital Construction Directorate during the restoration of the Odesa Center for Children’s and Youth Creativity “Dyvosvit.”

Анна Літман