The security service and police in Ukraine have uncovered a significant scheme involving the misappropriation of fuel from the national gas transportation system.

According to case materials, from February to June 2023, the suspects caused damage to the state amounting to 251 million 174 thousand UAH.

The investigation established that a former head of a private gas supply company was involved in orchestrating the scheme while serving as the company's board chairman.

At the beginning of the full-scale war, this commercial entity purchased gas from the state supplier to cover its production losses.

In early 2023, the state enterprise terminated collaboration with the private company due to its debts for the fuel supplied.

However, instead of paying off the debts and signing a new agreement with the state supplier, the perpetrators illegally extracted gas from the state pipeline.

To justify their actions, they cited «extraordinary circumstances» and continued to extract natural gas to meet their company's needs, sharing the profits among themselves.

In this manner, the participants in the scheme illegally siphoned off over 10.5 million cubic meters of natural gas.

During searches at the suspect's residence, documents, phones, and computer equipment containing evidence of the scheme were found.

 

Currently, law enforcement has notified the former company head of suspicion under Article 364-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (abuse of power for personal gain, contrary to the interests of the legal entity, causing severe consequences).

The offender faces up to six years in prison. The investigation continues to hold all participants in the scheme accountable. Complex measures were carried out by the SBU in Cherkasy region in collaboration with the National Police under the procedural guidance of the regional prosecutor's office.