In Sumy Oblast, a scheme involving illegal “combat” payments totaling ₴2.6 million was uncovered at a military unit

The SBU, the State Bureau of Investigation, and the National Police have uncovered a new scheme involving the illegal payment of bonuses for alleged participation in combat operations. 

This was reported by the SBU and the Office of the Prosecutor General.

According to the investigation, an official from one of the military units, who was responsible for keeping records of combatants, was involved in organizing the scheme. He unjustifiably issued monthly allowances of 100,000 UAH and one-time bonuses of 70,000 UAH to military personnel, which are provided for direct participation in combat.

In exchange, according to law enforcement, the official received a “cut” from the illegally issued payments.

The investigation established that five servicemen were not actually in combat zones and did not perform tasks on the front lines, yet received nearly 2.6 million UAH in “combat” payments.

The former head of the unit responsible for working with combatants has been notified of suspicion of abuse of office, which resulted in serious consequences. Investigative actions are ongoing, and the possible involvement of other individuals is being examined.

Earlier, an indictment was filed against a lieutenant colonel—the former commander of a logistics battalion at one of the military units.