The Security Service of Ukraine uncovered a scheme involving the embezzlement of UAH 68 million from energy companies
The Security Service of Ukraine and the Economic Security Bureau reported the exposure of a large-scale scheme of embezzlement of funds in Ukrainian energy companies controlled by one of the sanctioned businessmen.
According to the investigation, the scheme involved the embezzlement of nearly 68 million hryvnias from the accounts of an energy company, 25 per cent of whose shares are owned by the state, represented by the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine.
Law enforcement officials claim that the suspect, while abroad, organised the scheme and involved the top management of the controlled companies in it. According to the case file, a fictitious position of advisor to the chairman of the board of the company, which supplies electricity from the main networks to end consumers, was created for him.
He was given a monthly salary of 1.5 million hryvnia. The report notes that this is six times higher than the maximum salary limit for energy companies set by the National Commission for State Regulation in Energy and Utilities.
The investigation established that a work schedule of four hours per week was set for this position. According to law enforcement officials, the suspect thus circumvented sanctions on the withdrawal of capital from enterprises in Ukraine's energy sector.
Based on the evidence gathered, the sanctioned businessman was notified in absentia of his suspicion under Part 3 of Article 27 and Part 5 of Article 191 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The charges relate to the organisation of embezzlement, misappropriation or acquisition of property through abuse of official position, committed on a particularly large scale or by an organised group.
Three heads of energy companies were also notified of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 27 and Part 5 of Article 191 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. They are charged with complicity in the appropriation, embezzlement or acquisition of property through abuse of official position, committed on a particularly large scale or by an organised group.
The suspects face up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property. Since the organiser of the scheme is outside Ukraine, measures are being taken to bring him to justice.
The Office of the Prosecutor General is in charge of the proceedings in the case.
