The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reported the exposure of a private entrepreneur who supplied low-quality FPV drones to the Armed Forces of Ukraine (ASU). The director of a company from the Kyiv region, which won a tender for the supply of 1,000 drones, is now under suspicion of embezzlement of funds on a particularly large scale.
According to the investigation, the deal was organized by the director of a private company from the Kyiv region, which specializes in the production of unmanned systems. Earlier this year, the entrepreneur won a tender for the purchase of 1,000 FPV drones for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which was held by the Netishyn City Council.
The defendant artificially understated the cost of drone production and appropriated the resulting “difference.” The “cheat” on each drone ranged from 4,000 to 7,500 UAH, depending on its type.
After conducting an audit and special examination of the product's compliance with technical requirements, law enforcement officers received additional confirmation of the entrepreneur's criminal activities.
Based on the evidence base, he was charged with suspicion under Part 5 of Article 191 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (misappropriation of property by abuse of official position, committed by prior conspiracy by a group of persons under martial law on a particularly large scale)
The issue of choosing a preventive measure for the defendant is being decided. He faces up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property. An investigation is also underway to establish all the circumstances of the crime and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Law enforcement officers said that the total value of the concluded contracts was UAH 16.4 million, of which, according to the investigation, the owner of the manufacturing company stole almost a third.
To implement the scheme, the contractors installed low-quality navigation equipment on the drones. These included video cameras and video transmitters that did not meet the stated requirements for the technical characteristics of the UAVs.
The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has reported suspicions to the organizers of the purchase of low-quality first-aid kits for the military worth UAH 58.5 million. The suspects face up to 10 years in prison for inaction and fraud.
