The SSU in Zakarpattia has uncovered the embezzlement of over 100 million hryvnias during the construction of protective works for an electrical substation
The Security Service of Ukraine has reported the uncovering of a large-scale scheme involving the misappropriation of public funds allocated for the modernisation of the energy infrastructure in Zakarpattia Oblast.
According to the investigation, the former head of the Transcarpathian Regional Service for Infrastructure Restoration and Development is implicated in the embezzlement of 104 million hryvnias during the construction of a protective structure for a key power substation in the region.
The investigation established that in March 2024, the official signed certificates of completion for the construction of a protective structure for the energy facility against Russian air strikes. The total cost of the project was 5.1 billion hryvnias.
According to law enforcement, to embezzle part of the budget funds, the purchase of building materials at artificially inflated prices was approved. The funds obtained as a result of the price difference were channelled through controlled companies and distributed among the participants in the scheme.
The SBU notes that following the embezzlement of state funds, conditions arose that could potentially lead to the failure to meet the agreed deadlines for completion of the construction. The protective structures at the site remain unfinished.
An expert examination commissioned by the Security Service confirmed the established facts. During searches of the suspect’s place of residence and former workplace, documentation and computer equipment containing evidence of illegal activity were seized.
The former official has been notified of suspicion under Part 5 of Article 191 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. This concerns the misappropriation, embezzlement or acquisition of property through abuse of official position on a particularly large scale.
The pre-trial investigation is ongoing. Law enforcement officers are identifying all individuals who may be involved in the embezzlement of public funds.
