The National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office exposed a large-scale corruption scheme that operated at the state-owned enterprise "Izmail Sea Commercial Port" in 2022–2023. An organized group, which included the port director and representatives of private companies, seized more than UAH 24 million of state funds under the guise of purchasing port equipment.
The investigation established that the key role in the scheme was played by the organizer, who actually performed the functions of the unofficial "general director" of the port. He coordinated the actions of other participants, and the persons under his control were responsible for the technical support of the transactions and financial operations.
The group members had access to official, confidential information about procurement plans. This allowed them to determine the “winners” of tenders in advance. Leading manufacturers and official dealers were systematically excluded from bidding, and instead agreements were concluded with controlled companies. The cost of equipment in these contracts was significantly overstated.
After receiving funds into the accounts of commercial structures and individual entrepreneurs associated with the participants in the scheme, the money was quickly withdrawn in cash. It was then distributed among the organizers and executors.
NABU and SAPO have informed all participants in the scheme of suspicion. Further procedural actions are ongoing.
