Fraud at Ukrzaliznytsia: NABU exposes back-office activities that caused UAH 117 million in losses to the company

NABU detectives uncovered one of the frauds at Ukrzaliznytsia JSC. The anti-corruption activists uncovered a scheme of embezzlement during the purchase of cables. Preliminary losses are estimated at UAH 117 million. The suspects include 7 people. This was reported by the NABU press service , according to UNN.

Details

On March 13, 2024, the NABU and the SAPO exposed two organized groups that profited from the money of Ukrzaliznytsia JSC when purchasing cable and wire products.

According to investigators, during 2021-2023, the entrepreneur implemented a plan to supply cable and wire products to UZ at inflated prices. To do this, he colluded with members of an organized group, which was a kind of "back office" of the company, informally controlled its activities and, for a certain percentage of the purchase amount, could ensure that the "right" companies won UZ tenders. 

As a result of  arrangements through the so-called "back office," Ukrzaliznytsia JSC entered into contracts with three companies controlled by the entrepreneur, which supplied products at prices above market prices.  

It is also noted that the companies that won the tender did not produce the products themselves. They purchased it through a number of proxy companies from manufacturers, including controlled ones. This is what allowed  the fraudsters to artificially increase the cost of the products. 

Due to the successful implementation of this scheme, Ukrzaliznytsia suffered losses of UAH 117 million.  Currently, 7 people have been notified of suspicion, including two UZ employees.

Their actions are qualified under Articles 191, Part 5, Article 15, Part 2, Article 191, Part 5 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. 

The NABU added that measures are being taken to identify other persons involved in this transaction.