NABU (National Anti-Corruption Bureau) and SAP (Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office) exposed an organized group that embezzled over UAH 140 million intended for the restoration of heating and water supply in frontline cities of Donetsk region. As a result of their actions, residents were left without heating and water, and the state suffered losses exceeding UAH 140 million.
Source: OBOZREVATEL
This was reported by NABU. In spring 2023, the group members identified the facilities to be restored using budget funds.
They artificially inflated the cost of equipment and work, simulated competition in the tenders, and ensured the victory of a controlled company, which was effectively managed by the official’s classmate. Although the boiler plants were delivered, only two were connected, and those did not work due to shortages.
The scheme then spread to Sviatohorsk, where funds were transferred for work that was either not performed or carried out without permits and project documentation, with gross violations of construction standards. To conceal the crime, the participants forged acceptance certificates for completed work, unjustifiably extended contract deadlines, and pressured the heads of municipal enterprises.
As a result of these actions, the state suffered damages of over UAH 140 million, which the criminals used at their discretion. Residents of frontline cities were left without heating and drinking water during winter, exacerbating the already difficult living conditions under martial law.
During the pre-trial investigation, five members of the organized group were notified of suspicion, with the group led by an official of the Donetsk Regional State Administration. Their actions have been qualified under Part 5, Article 191 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. It was established that in April–May 2023, the accomplices created artificially inflated estimates for the cost of work and equipment, and under the influence of the organizer, officials approved the financing.
On 27 June 2023, a contract worth over UAH 200 million was signed for the supply and connection of modular boiler plants in Selidovo and Ukrainsk, without proper design and estimate documentation. In September–December 2023, contracts worth nearly UAH 100 million were signed for water supply and sewage systems in Sviatohorsk; however, the work was carried out superficially, and the facilities could not be used as intended.
Additionally, the facilities in Sviatohorsk were recognized as unauthorized construction, which does not comply with urban planning legislation, as confirmed by judicial construction-technical examinations. To conceal their criminal activity, the group members prepared fake acceptance-transfer acts and attempted to transfer the facilities to the balance of municipal enterprises, while simultaneously controlling financial flows and channeling funds through affiliated companies.
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