Over UAH 5 million worth of equipment was embezzled during the purchase of diesel generators for the AFU

The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has found that more than 5 millions hryvnyas worth of equipment was embezzled during the purchase of diesel generators for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The suspects include the commander of the military unit and his deputy.

The SBI revealed that merchants specializing in the sale of electric generator sets had reached an agreement with the deputy commander of a military unit in 2022. He was to ensure the victory of the controlled company for the purchase of one thousand diesel generators for the needs of the AFU. The amount of the contract was almost UAH 43 million. After the conclusion of the contract, the entrepreneurs did nothing for almost two months. They concluded an additional agreement, according to which the number of generators ordered in China was reduced by 133 units, keeping the total amount of the contract. These 133 generators were subsequently embezzled, which resulted in losses for the state budget of more than UAH 5 million.

SBI officers reported suspicion of the commander of the military unit under part 4 of article 425 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (negligent attitude to military service) and his deputy under part 4 of article 426 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (inaction of military authorities). The sanctions of the articles provide for punishment in the form of imprisonment up to 10 years.

The director of one of the enterprises is also suspected under part 5 of article 191 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (misappropriation, embezzlement of property or taking it by abuse of office). The deputy director of another enterprise is suspected under part 3 of article 27, part 5 of article 191 (embezzlement, misappropriation of property or taking possession of it by abuse of office) and part 4 Art. 27, part 4 Art. 426 (inaction of the military authorities). The sanctions of the articles provide for punishment in the form of imprisonment for up to 12 years.

The pre-trial investigation is continuing, and other facts of illegal activities of these persons are being documented. A petition is being prepared for the court to order the suspects to be remanded in custody.