NABU and SAPO infiltrated an organized criminal group to expose and stop massive embezzlement of budget funds. One of the group members was the Deputy Minister of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development. Detectives detained him right upon receiving USD 400,000 for facilitating the conclusion of contracts for the purchase of equipment at inflated prices.
In the summer of 2022, the Cabinet of Ministers allocated UAH 1.68 billion for the purchase of power-generating equipment necessary to get through the winter period in the face of critical infrastructure destruction. As established, a number of public officials decided to embezzle part of the funds. To this end, they conspired with a group of intermediaries and ensured the conclusion of procurement contracts with pre-determined business entities. The cost of the contracts was inflated by UAH 280 million, which was a kickback to be paid to the officials for their facilitation.
NABU is carrying out urgent investigative actions to identify all members of the group and bring them to criminal responsibility.
More than 150 NABU employees took part in the operation to expose the group. A number of searches were conducted, during which UAH 920,000 and USD 38,700 were found and seized from the businessmen's office. One of the group members tried to leave Ukraine and was detained at the state border. The investigation is ongoing.
According to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is considered non-guilty in the commission of a crime and cannot be subject to criminal punishment until he or she is found guilty by court.
