In Ternopil, law enforcement officers exposed an organized group of locomotive depot workers who systematically stole diesel fuel from trains. The scheme involved 18 people, including train drivers, their assistants, a train assembler, a shop foreman, and the former depot manager, who, according to investigators, coordinated the criminal activity.
The first episode of the theft was recorded back in October 2024, when the police detained five depot employees. Further investigation revealed a much wider network of attackers. They acted in a coordinated manner, using knowledge of train schedules and organizing special fuel dump points.
According to the investigation, diesel fuel was poured into canisters during locomotive stops at one of the railway stations in the region. The canisters were dumped in designated places, after which they were delivered to storage facilities. Later, the fuel was poured into larger containers and sold to residents of the region, and the proceeds were divided among the group members.
The police have established all new episodes and identified all those involved. All 18 participants have been notified of suspicion under articles providing for the appropriation of property through abuse of official position as part of an organized group. If proven guilty, the perpetrators face up to 12 years in prison, as well as a ban on holding certain positions and confiscation of property.
This case has become one of the largest uncovered rail theft schemes in the region, and investigators do not rule out the possibility of new suspects.
