The SBI completed an investigation into former officials of the Ministry of Defense who purchased low-quality ammunition for the Armed Forces

The State Bureau of Investigation has completed an investigation into former high-ranking officials of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine who purchased low-quality ammunition for the Armed Forces. As a result of such actions, the fighters were not properly equipped in the amount of 1.4 billion hryvnias.

The State Bureau of Investigation writes about it.

“PSBI employees completed the investigation into former high-ranking officials of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, who purchased low-quality ammunition for the military. The actions of intruders threatened the life and health of our defenders and caused multimillion-dollar losses to the state“, the message says.

Among the accused:

• Former Deputy Minister of Defense, responsible for rear support of the Armed Forces;
• Acting Head of the Department of State Procurement and Supply of Material Resources;
• Acting Head of the Central Department of Quality Control of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

The suspects are accused of obstructing the legal activities of the Armed Forces, which caused serious consequences in the amount of 1.4 billion hryvnias, and embezzlement of over 222 million hryvnias.

Abusing their positions, those involved in the case organized the purchase for the Armed Forces of Ukraine: body armor, helmets, clothes and other items. The suspects bought all those things at inflated prices.  All contracts were concluded with full advance payment.

The suspects also ordered personal protective equipment of inadequate quality from abroad. At the same time, 100% prepayment was made, and the product quality control procedure defined by the Ministry’s instruction was violated.

As a result of these criminal acts, the Armed Forces of Ukraine received low-quality body armor that cannot be used in combat without endangering life. This led to the loss of 222 million UAH of budget funds, the undermining of the country’s defense capabilities and the threat to the lives and health of Ukrainian military personnel.

Thanks to the cooperation with the State Audit Service of Ukraine, suspicion was announced to the former officials.

They are currently facing up to 15 years in prison for obstructing the legal activities of the Armed Forces, embezzlement of property in particularly large amounts, abuse of official position, and the commission of crimes by prior conspiracy by a group of persons under martial law.

Procedural management in the case is carried out by the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office in the military and defense sphere.