Kherson region exposes large-scale embezzlement scheme in the army

A large-scale scheme to embezzle budget funds during the purchase of winter uniforms for the military was exposed in Kherson region. Three people are suspected in this case, including a deputy of the Oleksandriya City Council, a company manager and an accountant.

This was reported by the press service of the National Police of Ukraine.

According to the investigation, in 2022, one of the departments of the Kherson Regional Military Administration entered into agreements for the supply of winter uniforms for the military with two companies that were actually controlled by the 59-year-old deputy. Under the contract, the companies were to manufacture and deliver protective jackets, pants, boots, and other uniform elements to the military.

However, during the inspection, it turned out that the supplied uniforms did not meet the standards of the Ministry of Defense, had no quality certificates and were in fact unsuitable for use in the Armed Forces.

According to law enforcement officers, as a result of this transaction, the suspects illegally seized more than UAH 11.8 million from the budget and planned to receive another UAH 9.2 million, but the transaction was stopped in time.

Investigators served all three participants of the scheme with a notice of suspicion. They are charged with misappropriation and embezzlement of property through abuse of office, as well as forgery. The sanction of the articles provides for up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property and a ban on holding managerial positions.

Meanwhile, the former acting head of one of the village councils in Beryslav district was found guilty of fraud with budget funds.

The SBI has also completed an investigation into the former director of the Department for Civil Protection and Defense of the Kherson Regional State Administration. The official is accused of purchasing low-quality clothing for military personnel, which caused the state losses of more than UAH 21 million.

The court recently imposed a pre-trial restraint on two officials suspected of extortion. One of them is the deputy head of the Kherson regional municipal emergency service. They demanded 10% of the contract amount, which amounted to UAH 199 thousand. The officials threatened the businessman that if he refused, he would not be able to continue his activities in Kherson and the region.

Андрій Колісніченко