This month, 1,000 people chose to support the Kyiv Independent. Can we count on you, too?
Become a member
Skip to content
Edit post

NABU uncover 2018 ammunition depot corruption scheme

by Elsa Court October 25, 2023 6:07 PM 2 min read
A sign outside the office of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau in Kyiv, Ukraine. (NABU / Facebook)
This audio is created with AI assistance

A former lawmaker is a key suspect in a case dating back to 2018 concerning the embezzlement of over Hr 307 million ($8.4 million) in Defense Ministry funds, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) reported on Oct. 25.

NABU did not name the MP, but said he served between November 2014 and July 2019.

The roots of the corruption scheme go back to 2018, when the Defense Ministry signed contracts with companies controlled by the lawmaker for the construction of special depots for storing missiles and ammunition.

These companies agreed they would construct the warehouses for a total amount of Hr 3 billion ($82 million).

NABU believes that the lawmaker planned to misappropriate a large part of these funds but was initially prevented from doing so by legislation, which meant that the ministry would only be able pay an advance of 30% of the annual workload.

However, the lawmaker and his assistant "ensured the adoption of changes" to the legislation, which allowed "for an advance payment of 80% of the total contract value."

This meant that at the end of 2018, the companies controlled by the lawmaker were able to receive Hr 307 million ($8.4 million) from the Defense Ministry, transferred as an advance.

However, construction on the facility that was "intended to enhance the country's defense" never began and the money was transferred to the accounts of other companies controlled by the MP.

A former First Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces is also a suspect in the case, NABU reported.

Military enlistment officials suspected of illegally acquiring $7 million
The National Agency on Corruption Prevention suspects six military enlistment officials of illegally acquiring assets worth over Hr 255 million ($7 million) in the last half a year, the agency reported on Oct. 23.
Let’s see how far we can go?
We’ve been amazed by your support. We’ve reached our initial goal of finding 1,000 new paying members. We still have till the end of our birthday campaign — with more support, we can do even more good journalism. Over 13,000 people are standing behind us. Can we count on you, too?
Show us support this birthday month
Become a member
visa masterCard americanExpress

News Feed

11:50 PM

US announces $988 million military aid package for Ukraine.

The latest aid package will be pulled through the remaining $2 billion in funding from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) — a Pentagon-led program for supplying arms to Ukraine through contracts with U.S. defense companies.
5:32 PM  (Updated: )

Russian attack on Kryvyi Rih kills 3, injures 17, including 6-year-old boy.

Russian forces attacked Kryvyi Rih in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on Dec. 6, killing two people and injuring 17, including a six-year-old boy, according to Governor Serhii Lysak. The death toll rose to three on Dec. 7 when rescuers recovered another body from the rubble.
MORE NEWS

Editors' Picks

Enter your email to subscribe
Please, enter correct email address
Subscribe
* indicates required
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required

Subscribe

* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Explaining Ukraine with Kate Tsurkan
* indicates required
Successfuly subscribed
Thank you for signing up for this newsletter. We’ve sent you a confirmation email.