A 40-million scheme involving humanitarian aid has been uncovered in Ukraine — 50 tons were sold at an Odesa market
Kyiv • UNN
In Odesa, the sale of 50 tons of humanitarian aid worth over 40 million hryvnias has been exposed. The goods were sold at a market instead of being distributed to people for free.
Law enforcement officers in Odesa have uncovered a scheme for selling humanitarian aid at the "7th Kilometer" market, which was intended to be distributed to people free of charge. According to the investigation, over 50 tons of goods were sold, and the amount of illegal profit exceeds 40 million UAH. This was reported by the Office of the Prosecutor General, as relayed by UNN.
Details
According to the prosecutor's office, the scheme involved a former customs official, a representative of a charitable organization, and their foreign accomplice. They are charged with the illegal sale of humanitarian aid for the purpose of making a profit.
The investigation established that humanitarian shipments arrived from abroad through charitable foundations. These consisted of clothing and footwear that were supposed to be distributed to citizens for free. Instead, the goods were sold for money.
From October 2025 to April 2026, the aid was brought by trucks to warehouses in Odesa, after which it was transported to the "7th Kilometer" industrial goods market and sold, the prosecutor's office reported.
To create an appearance of legality, as reported by the OPG, the dealers processed documents regarding the alleged transfer of aid between charitable organizations. In reality, the goods were immediately directed for sale.
"In this manner, over 50 tons of humanitarian aid, brought in 11 separate batches, were sold. The estimated value of the goods exceeds 40 million UAH," the statement reads.
During the investigation, law enforcement officers conducted over 60 searches. Documents, draft accounting records, mobile phones, and the goods themselves were seized.
At the request of the Odesa Regional Prosecutor's Office, the suspects have been taken into custody with the possibility of posting bail.