Kherson region's energy sector protection entrusted to suspect in company embezzlement

A contractor has been selected to protect the critical infrastructure of the Kherson region's energy sector. The company was previously accused of embezzling budget funds during the restoration of other regions.

This was reported by the Center for Public Investigations.

The Service for Infrastructure Restoration and Development in Kherson Oblast has signed a contract for the reconstruction of Facility No. 3 in the Kherson Territorial Community. The cost of the work is over UAH 64 million, and it is planned to be completed by June 30, 2026.

The procurement was made without open bidding. The justification was the need to carry out construction and engineering measures to protect critical infrastructure in the fuel and energy sector in accordance with Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 1178, which allows non-competitive procurement under martial law.

SCREEN SHOT: Prozorro

The only bidder and winner was Ukrbud-Project-Reconstruction LLC, which submitted an offer for the full expected amount. The company was founded in 2015 in Kyiv and is currently owned by David Kizimenko. According to the YouControl analytical system, since 2021, the company has received government contracts worth more than UAH 3 billion.

At the same time, the company and its management are involved in a number of criminal and judicial proceedings. The company's director is also suspected of embezzling budget funds during the restoration of Sumy region. The company was also involved in reconstruction in Kyiv region and became a defendant in a case of possible misappropriation of budget funds.

SCREENSHOT: YouControl

In addition, David Kizimenko is the son of Oleh Kizimenko, a former official who remained in office as deputy mayor of Sevastopol after the occupation of Crimea. In Russia, he was accused of embezzling 45 million rubles, and after fleeing to Ukraine, he received a suspended sentence for treason.

Recently, in Velyka Oleksandrivka, Kherson region, the construction of a shelter at a local school was ordered without a tender. A Kyiv company also received a contract worth more than UAH 150 million.

Анна Бальчінос