The authorities, in collaboration with the prosecution, have apprehended a criminal group allegedly led by a former deputy mayor of Kharkiv. The participants are suspected of embezzling budget funds intended for the construction of fortification facilities.

Sources: Attorney General's Office, National Police, sources from UP within law enforcement agencies.

According to UP's sources, the individual involved is Andriy Rudenko, who served as the deputy mayor of Kharkiv from 2015 to 2024.

The Specialized Prosecutor's Office for Defense confirmed that five individuals have been charged with forming a criminal organization. The group included four executors, consisting of two company leaders and two entrepreneurs.

Investigations revealed that the organizer, along with the director of one of the companies, who was the primary contractor, recruited other individuals for purchasing goods for the construction of fortifications at inflated prices.

According to the investigation, the group's criminal activities resulted in losses to the state amounting to 5.4 million hryvnias. Further episodes of the criminal organization's activities will be examined during the pre-trial investigation.

During searches in Kharkiv and the surrounding area, law enforcement seized equipment and documents that confirm the financial dealings of the group.

All members of the criminal organization are charged with participation in criminal activities and embezzling budget funds in significant amounts during wartime.

The organizer faces charges under several articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, including the formation of a criminal organization and embezzlement of significant funds. The executors are also suspected of jointly committing these crimes.

All suspects have been detained. The prosecution has filed a motion with the court to impose a preventive measure in the form of detention without the possibility of bail.