22 May 2026
(PHOTO: vppdr.gp.gov.ua)
In Mykolaiv region, law enforcement officers detained a serviceman suspected of selling humanitarian off-road vehicles intended for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. According to investigators, the man put up for sale three vehicles imported to Ukraine as humanitarian aid for the army and received more than $13,000 for them.
This was reported by the press service of the Specialized Prosecutor's Office of the Southern Region.
In Mykolaiv region, a 49-year-old serviceman was exposed and detained who, according to the investigation, organized the sale of humanitarian vehicles imported for the Ukrainian military during martial law.
According to law enforcement, in early May, the man posted on Facebook and TikTok ads for the sale of three SUVs - Mercedes-Benz ML270, BMW X5 and Toyota Rav4. The cars were imported to Ukraine on preferential terms as humanitarian aid for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The buyer was a man who was looking for transportation for the military. During the meeting, the suspect showed all three cars and documents confirming their humanitarian status. He asked for $3,900 for the Toyota, $4,800 for the BMW, and $4,700 for the Mercedes. Initially, the seller received a $200 deposit.
The final transfer of the cars took place on May 19 in the parking lot of a gas station. According to the investigation, the military officer handed over the keys, documents and three SUVs to the buyer, receiving a total of USD 13,400.
Immediately after the money transfer, the man was detained by law enforcement. As it turned out, the buyer was acting under the control of security forces.
The serviceman was served a notice of suspicion under Part 3 of Article 201-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine - sale of humanitarian aid goods for profit during martial law. The court imposed on him a pre-trial restraint in the form of detention with an alternative of bail in excess of UAH 266 thousand.
During the searches, law enforcement officers also seized ammunition and documents relevant to the investigation. The origin of the vehicles and the scheme of their importation into Ukraine are currently being established. The sanction of the article provides for up to seven years in prison.
In April, a court in Mykolaiv sentenced a member of the National Guard of Ukraine who sold cars imported as humanitarian aid for the frontline. Despite the seriousness of the crime and the significant amount of money involved, the defendant avoided actual imprisonment.
Анна Бальчінос