In Mykolaiv, a freeze on an entrepreneur's cash was lifted in a case involving the procurement of food for the military

In Mykolaiv, a court lifted the seizure of an entrepreneur’s property in a case involving alleged abuses during the procurement of food for the National Guard in Kherson. At the same time, the court upheld the seizure of documents that may serve as evidence in the criminal proceedings.

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

According to investigators, military unit officials may have favored certain food suppliers, restricted competition, and rejected more favorable offers. Among the possible participants in the scheme, authorities are investigating representatives of Ternovsky Bread Factory LLC and two entrepreneurs who supplied food to the military unit in Kherson.

According to investigators, representatives of “Ternovsky Bread Factory” LLC may have colluded with military personnel to document the delivery of larger quantities of bread than were actually delivered. For some shipments, the discrepancy may have reached 50%. Law enforcement officials are also investigating possible discrepancies in the quantity, quality, labeling, and storage conditions of other food products.

In September, law enforcement officers from the State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) conducted searches at the premises of two business owners. During the searches, they seized contracts, accounting documents, delivery notes, and product quality certificates, as well as 510,000 hryvnias, 11,112 U.S. dollars, and 350 euros.

A judge at the Zavodskyi District Court in Mykolaiv initially seized the documents but refused to seize the money due to a lack of evidence of its illegal origin. The prosecutor appealed this decision, arguing that the funds could be linked to alleged abuses.

As reported by Intent, the court authorized a search of the head of the food service’s vehicle. Investigators seized a phone, a laptop, documents, and other items that may contain information about procurement and deliveries.

Анна Літман