Investigators uncover embezzlement during renovation of Stepkivska school in Mykolaiv region

The renovation of a school in the village of Stepkivka has become the subject of a criminal investigation over suspicions of embezzlement of budget funds. Investigators have gained access to documents that may prove abuse of office during the work.

This is stated in the decision of the Central District Court of Mykolaiv.

The court granted the request of the investigator of the Mykolaiv Oblast Police Department for temporary access to things and documents that are relevant in the criminal proceedings on embezzlement of budget funds.

According to the investigation, officials of the private enterprise Olkris are suspected of abuse of office during construction works, which led to the misappropriation of state budget funds. In particular, it concerns the overhaul of a school in the village of Stepkivka worth more than UAH 1.9 million, as well as the overhaul of a radiation shelter.

The court ruling states that the temporary access granted will allow investigators to familiarize themselves with the materials of the criminal proceedings and the forensic construction and technical expertise, which are important evidence in the case. In addition, investigators are allowed to make copies of documents. The ruling is valid for two months.

The judge noted that if access to the documents is complicated, the court has the right to authorize a search to seize the necessary items. The court ruling is not subject to appeal.

In April, the Department of Urban Development of Mykolaiv Regional State Administration announced a tender for the overhaul of a radiation shelter at an educational institution in the village of Stepkivka, Pervomaisk district. All work is to be completed by December 31, 2026, and more than UAH 19 million is allocated from the budget for the reconstruction of the bunker. The construction has been planned since 2019.

In November 2023, near a school in Stepkivka, builders began digging the foundation for the shelter's insulation, but the work was stopped when the contract with the previous contractor was terminated. At that time, the project was funded by government programs, allocating UAH 12.8 million.

The new contractor was selected in May 2025 - the only bid for the tender was submitted by Hospodar-2 LLC, which received the contract. This company has previously been involved in criminal proceedings related to the embezzlement of budget funds.

Анна Бальчінос