Embezzlement of UAH 160 million in Kharkiv reconstruction: organized group exposed

The NABU and the SAPO exposed an organized group created in 2022 to misappropriate state funds and funds of Ukraine's international partners, which were intended to restore Kharkiv's critical infrastructure. The state suffered losses of almost UAH 160 million. This was reported by the NABU press service on Thursday, UNN reports . 

According to the investigation, the group's organizer, one of the most influential businessmen, in collusion with the first deputy director general of Kharkiv Heating Networks, secured direct contracts for the supply of pipe products, windows and technical salt to companies under his control. At the same time, the participants in the deal used martial law as an excuse not to hold open tenders.

Subsequently, the "winner" reportedly purchased products from the manufacturer through a number of proxy companies and resold them to the ME at more than twice the price. At the same time, the ME had direct economic relations with this manufacturer.

The scheme caused losses in the amount of UAH 159.5 million, which the offenders took possession of and disposed of at their own discretion. At the same time, part of these funds in the amount of UAH 22 million was provided by the World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Revival) and was intended for the development of urban infrastructure

So far, 7 people have been notified of suspicion:

• to the leader of an organized group;
• First Deputy General Director and one of the directors of Kharkiv Heating Networks;
  
• four persons controlled by the leader of the organized group.
  

Charges: Part 5 Article 191, Part 2 Article 28, Part 4 Article 358 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

Measures are being taken to establish other episodes of criminal activity of the organized group and other persons who contributed to the crime, the NABU added.