He Raised Millions for the Ukrainian Armed Forces but Spent Them on Himself; the SBU Exposed the Scam
The Security Service of Ukraine reported that a former head of a charitable organization in the Rivne region had been exposed; he is suspected of embezzling more than 9 million hryvnias raised for the Defense Forces.
According to the investigation, the man misused charitable donations, spending the funds on his own needs. He is currently charged with the illegal misappropriation of funds that were intended to support the Ukrainian military.
According to the investigation, the 58-year-old suspect illegally misappropriated funds that employees of a critical infrastructure facility had voluntarily donated to support the Ukrainian military.
“The charitable organization operated at one of the critical infrastructure facilities and was funded by voluntary contributions from the facility’s employees. Every month, they transferred a portion of their salaries to a special account to assist the Defense Forces,” the SBU reported.
According to law enforcement, the organization’s director exploited his position to withdraw money from the special account and use it for his own benefit.
After the scheme was uncovered, the charitable organization was dissolved. Instead, the company’s employees established a new entity that ensures transparent oversight of the use of funds collected for the needs of the Ukrainian military.
The organization’s former head has been notified of charges under Part 5 of Article 191 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (misappropriation or embezzlement of property through abuse of official position, committed on an especially large scale).
If found guilty, he faces up to 12 years in prison, along with confiscation of property and a ban on holding certain positions or engaging in specific activities for up to three years. Investigative proceedings are currently underway to establish all the circumstances of the crime.
This was reported with reference to the SBU Office in Rivne Oblast.
The government has allocated 8.3 billion hryvnias for the SBU, the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR), and other law enforcement agencies.
A €5.9 billion tranche of the EU loan to Ukraine will be allocated for drones.
The EU is preparing a new tranche for Ukraine of up to €2.7 billion as part of the Ukraine Facility program.
