Officials of the Lower Dniester Hydroelectric Power Plant to be tried for abuse of power during the reconstruction of the facility

Employees of the State Bureau of Investigations have completed a pre-trial investigation into three officials of the Lower Dniester Hydroelectric Power Plant in Chernivtsi region who are suspected of abuse during the reconstruction of the power facility. The indictment has already been sent to court. The investigation was conducted with the assistance of the Security Service of Ukraine.

According to the investigation, in 2023, the general director of the hydroelectric power plant, an engineer, and the head of the public procurement department ensured the victory of a predetermined contractor in four tenders. The tenders concerned repair work to strengthen structures, install sewage systems, and reinforce individual elements of infrastructure. The total value of the contracts was 16 million hryvnias, which was almost 4.8 million above market prices.

According to the investigation, the suspects pocketed the difference between the actual cost of the work and the funds paid. The total losses to the state are estimated at almost 5 million hryvnias. At the same time, the expert examination confirmed that the work itself was performed with high quality and no threats to the functioning of the hydroelectric power plant were identified.

The officials were notified of the suspicion in May 2025. To ensure compensation for the losses, the court seized their property, including an apartment, three residential buildings and five land plots in the Chernivtsi region. The approximate value of this property is about 25 million hryvnias.

All three are accused of embezzlement through abuse of office, committed by an organised group under martial law. The article provides for up to 12 years' imprisonment. The proceedings were conducted by the Vinnytsia Regional Prosecutor's Office.

Source and photo: SBI

State Bureau of Investigations, Security Service of Ukraine, HPP