In Poltava, law enforcement officers have uncovered a scheme to embezzle over 5.4 million hryvnias of budget funds intended for the purchase of equipment for the needs of a territorial procurement center. This was reported by the Strategic Investigations Department of the National Police of Ukraine.
According to the investigation, the organizer of the scheme was a former director of one of the departments of the Poltava City Council. He involved the chief specialist in public procurement and a financially responsible person, after which the participants reached an agreement with the director of a private company that sells computer equipment and software.
In 2023, city council officials initiated the purchase of 70 satellite phones with components allegedly for the needs of the Poltava Regional CCC and JV. The formal supplier was a controlled private company. However, it was established that the equipment was purchased at significantly inflated prices, as a result of which more than 5.4 million UAH was illegally withdrawn from the local budget.
Based on the collected evidence, the former head of the department, two of his subordinates, and the director of a private enterprise were notified of suspicion. According to the National Police, depending on the role of each, their actions were qualified under several articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, in particular, abuse of power and official position, as well as official forgery.
The suspects face up to six years in prison. Investigators are currently preparing a motion to impose preventive measures.
