Odesa investigates embezzlement of funds for repair of kindergarten shelter

Odesa is considering a case of alleged embezzlement of budget funds during the repair of a shelter in kindergarten No. 241, located at 5-A Vitalia Blazhka Street.

This is stated in the decision of the Kyiv District Court of Odesa.

The case was opened on July 8, 2024, on the grounds of a crime under Part 4 of Article 191 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine - misappropriation or embezzlement of property on a large scale. The case concerns the overhaul of the basement of the kindergarten, which was supposed to serve as the simplest shelter in case of an emergency. The contract for the works was signed between the municipal institution "Center for Financing and Economic Activity of Educational Institutions of Peresypskyi District of Odesa" and a private entrepreneur. The contract amount is over UAH 4.8 million.

During the audit, suspicions arose that the acts of work performed indicated overstated volumes and costs, which may indicate falsification of documentation for the purpose of embezzlement.

On March 19, 2025, a forensic construction and technical examination was ordered in the proceedings. On April 14, the expert requested access to the object of investigation to conduct it.

On May 8, 2025, the investigating judge of the Kyiv District Court of Odesa granted the investigator's and prosecutor's motion and allowed the inspection of the basement. The court recognized that this is necessary to establish the actual scope and cost of the work performed, which directly affects the qualification of the crime and the amount of damage caused.

The inspection is to be conducted by investigators, prosecutors, an expert, representatives of the client and the contractor, as well as other specialists.

The court decision is valid for 10 days and is not subject to appeal.

The equipped shelter in kindergarten No. 241 was inaugurated in March 2025 by Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov. According to the mayor's office, the facility has a capacity of 200 seats and fully meets modern safety requirements. It has lighting, ventilation, bathrooms, boilers, a fire alarm system, and even a lift for children with disabilities. According to the city council, the total cost of the renovation amounted to UAH 4.9 million, with more than UAH 840 thousand in donations from philanthropists, including the Save the Children Foundation and UNICEF.

Ірина Глухова