The case concerning the embezzlement of 5.5 million hryvnias in connection with the procurement of electronic warfare equipment and FPV drones for the Armed Forces of Ukraine has been referred to court
According to the National Police of Ukraine, the scheme to embezzle public funds was organised by a 44-year-old man. He enlisted the help of the head of commercial entities and the then director of a municipal enterprise under the Sievierodonetsk City Council to carry out the scheme.
The investigation established that between April and July 2024, contracts were signed for the purchase of 20 electronic warfare stations, 150 FPV drones and three ground stations for the needs of military units. In reality, no deliveries took place, and the equipment existed only on paper.
According to the investigation, over 5.5 million hryvnias were siphoned off through fictitious transactions to affiliated companies. The military units received the equipment only on paper.
In September 2025, detectives from the Economic Security Bureau notified three participants in the scheme of their status as suspects under several articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, in particular regarding the misappropriation of property on an especially large scale, committed by an organised group.
The indictment against the organiser, the director of the commercial entities and the former director of the municipal enterprise has now been submitted to the court. The penalty under the relevant article provides for up to 12 years’ imprisonment, with confiscation of property and a ban on holding certain positions or engaging in relevant activities for a period of up to three years.
The case was prosecuted by the Specialised Prosecutor’s Office for the Eastern Region in the field of defence.
In accordance with Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent until their guilt has been proven in accordance with the law and established by a court conviction.
