0 out of 25,000

Quality journalism takes work — and a community that cares.
Help us reach 25,000 members by the end of 2025.

News Feed

Defense Ministry official charged over loss of almost $430,000 in public funds

1 min read
Defense Ministry official charged over loss of almost $430,000 in public funds
The SBU charged a Defense Ministry official with the loss of state funds of almost Hr 16 million ($430,000). (Source: SBU)

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced on Aug. 9 that it had charged an official of the Defense Ministry for causing a loss of state funds of almost Hr 16 million ($430,000).

In 2017, a private company won a tender for the construction of a road on the territory of a military base. The firm requested an advance payment of $430,000 from one of the military units of the Vinnytsia garrison, amounting to 70% of the total sum, the State Bureau of Investigation said.

In violation of the agreement, the deputy director of the Defense Ministry's Financial Department permitted the unit to transfer the funds to the company, the Bureau added.

According to the investigation, the contractors never carried out the work and effectively stole public money.

The SBU said that the authorities are considering removing the charged official from his position and issuing a detention order. The suspect faces up to seven years in prison.

SBU uncovers extortion scheme at Odesa military barracks
Avatar
Martin Fornusek

Reporter

Martin Fornusek is a reporter for the Kyiv Independent, specializing in international and regional politics, history, and disinformation. Based in Lviv, Martin often reports on international politics, with a focus on analyzing developments related to Ukraine and Russia. His career in journalism began in 2021 after graduating from Masaryk University in Brno, Czechia, earning a Master's degree in Conflict and Democracy Studies. Martin has been invited to speak on Times Radio, France 24, Czech Television, and Radio Free Europe. He speaks English, Czech, and Ukrainian.

Read more
News Feed
Video

The Kyiv Independent’s Oleksiy Sorokin sits down with Daria Kaleniuk, executive director of Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Action Center, to discuss Ukraine’s biggest wartime corruption scandal, which involves people from President Volodymyr Zelensky's circle and several government officials.

Show More