Schemes involving firewood for the Armed Forces of Ukraine caused over 100 million hryvnias in losses
Law enforcement officials have uncovered widespread corruption in the procurement of firewood for the Armed Forces of Ukraine—total losses exceed 100 million hryvnias.
This was reported by the National Police of Ukraine.
As part of 20 criminal investigations, 49 searches were conducted in various regions of the country and in Kyiv with the participation of the police, the State Bureau of Investigation (DBR), the Bureau of Economic Security (BEB), the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), and the prosecutor’s office.
According to the investigation, officials from housing and maintenance departments and affiliated entrepreneurs were involved in the schemes.
It has been established that in the contracts, timber prices were sometimes inflated by 30–40%, or the products were not delivered in full.
Currently, six individuals—current and former officials—have been charged.
They are charged with embezzlement, official negligence, and negligent attitude toward military service. The investigation is ongoing.
Charges have been filed against top SBU officials who “protected” amber mining operations.
The deputy head of the SBU in Rivne Oblast received over $22,000 from a businessman through the same intermediary in exchange for ensuring unimpeded amber mining.
