The Security Service of Ukraine has uncovered financial misconduct involving a former official of the Ministry of Defense who embezzled 1 billion UAH allocated for food supplies to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Military counterintelligence and investigators from the SBU, with the support of the Minister of Defense, revealed the misappropriation of funds that occurred from March to December 2022.

According to the investigation materials, the former head of one of the departments of the Ministry of Defense was involved in this illegal activity.

The investigation found that while in office in the spring of 2022, he entered into a contract with a private company for the wholesale purchase of food products and their delivery to the Armed Forces. At the same time, the prices of the products were artificially inflated by 41%, and the cost of their delivery increased by 221%. The investigation revealed that the Ministry of Defense official did not conduct an adequate verification of the justifications for these amounts and failed to coordinate the contract with the relevant departments of the defense ministry, leading to significant budget losses.

A judicial economic examination initiated by law enforcement confirmed the facts of the misappropriation of defense funds.

SBU investigators have notified the former official of suspicion under part 5 of Article 191 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (embezzlement of property or its appropriation through abuse of office committed in especially large amounts).

Currently, a decision is being made regarding the selection of a preventive measure. The offender faces up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property. The investigation continues to hold accountable all individuals involved in the crime. Comprehensive measures were carried out under the procedural guidance of the Office of the Prosecutor General.