A food supply scheme was uncovered at a military unit in Kherson

Law enforcement officials are investigating possible fraud in the procurement of bread, meat, eggs, vegetables, fruit, and other food items at a National Guard military unit in Kherson.

The Center for Public Investigations has examined the details of the case.

According to investigators, officials at the military unit may have given preferential treatment to predetermined suppliers. This allegedly involved tailoring procurement terms to specific businesses, rejecting cheaper bids from competitors, and entering into direct contracts.

Law enforcement officials believe that the head of the procurement department may have orchestrated the signing of contracts with specific suppliers. At the same time, the head of the food service was responsible for receiving and accounting for the products, even if their quantity or quality did not match what was declared.

According to the investigation, two business owners were among the suppliers. Their bids on electronic trading platforms may have been submitted by the son of one of them, who also received information about the required documents and instructions on how to reject competitors’ bids.

Separately, investigators are examining the supply of baked goods by Ternovsky Bread Factory LLC. According to case files, in 2026, when processing delivery documents, they may have reported a greater quantity of bread than was actually delivered. The difference, according to investigators, could have amounted to half of the actual volume.

Law enforcement officials are also investigating possible violations during the supply of meat, eggs, vegetables, and fruits, specifically whether the products met requirements regarding quality, quantity, labeling, origin, and storage.

In late August, a court authorized a search of the vehicle belonging to the head of the food service. Investigators seized a phone, a laptop, documents, and other items that may contain information about procurement and delivery.

The head of the operational funds department at the Kherson City Executive Committee is also suspected of accepting bribes in exchange for helping a businessman secure military contracts.

Анна Літман