The current People's Deputy of Ukraine found himself at the center of a corruption scandal related to the purchase of cable products for JSC "Ukrzaliznytsia". According to the investigation, he became a co-organizer of the scheme that caused losses to the state-owned enterprise of more than 140 million hryvnias. The suspect faces from 7 to 12 years in prison.
As reported by the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP) and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), the scheme involved a conspiracy between a deputy, an entrepreneur, and other individuals who ensured the supply of cable products to Ukrzaliznytsia at prices significantly exceeding market prices.
"The People's Deputy, using his influence, created the conditions for the implementation of a corruption scheme. The perpetrators, including officials of Ukrzaliznytsia and informal procurement supervisors, ensured the victory of controlled companies in tenders, benefiting from inflated prices," NABU reports.
Although law enforcement officials do not officially name the MP, according to journalist Oleg Novikov, we are talking about Viktor Bondar, a non-partisan MP, co-chair of the “For the Future” parliamentary group.
Bondar is a politician with many years of experience who has held key positions in the government and presidential administration, was the Minister of Transport, the Head of the Dnipropetrovsk Region, and a member of several parliamentary committees.
The case involves 7 more people, including the capital's businessman Volodymyr Kotlyar, as well as officials of Ukrzaliznytsia, who, according to the investigation, ensured the implementation of the criminal scheme.
NABU and SAPO have already notified all participants of the suspicion. The investigation is currently ongoing, and law enforcement officers are taking measures to recover the damages caused.
