UAH 254M drone procurement scheme: new facts disclosed

NABU and SAPO have established new facts in the criminal proceeding concerning abuses within the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine (SSSCIP) during the procurement of drones for Ukraine’s Defense Forces in 2023. The total amount of losses caused to the state has increased from UAH 90 million to UAH 254 million.

Based on additional evidence, the notices of suspicion previously served on four individuals have been updated. Another participant in the scheme — the de facto controller of the private companies involved — has also been notified of suspicion.

As previously reported, in October 2025, NABU and SAPO exposed a scheme involving the embezzlement of UAH 90 million during the procurement of DJI Mavic 3 and Autel Evo Max 4T drones. During the subsequent pre-trial investigation, detectives uncovered the involvement of two additional business entities linked to the previously identified supplier.

As established, in September 2023, SSSCIP officials entered into additional contracts with these companies for the supply of DJI Mavic 3T (500 units), DJI Mavic 3 Pro (2,000 units), and DJI Matrice M30T (900 units) drones.

The procurements were carried out at prices 60–90% above market rates. The winners were predetermined, while other companies controlled by the scheme’s organizers were brought in to create the illusion of competition.

One fact clearly demonstrates the involvement of affiliated companies: SSSCIP officials sent a request for a commercial offer to the future "winner," addressing a legal entity that was officially registered only several days after the letter was sent.

The participants in the scheme transferred the illicit proceeds to accounts held by companies under their control, including accounts outside Ukraine.

Thanks to the timely actions of NABU and SAPO, more than USD 4 million held in the accounts of companies abroad, as well as UAH 17 million in Ukraine, have been seized.

The pre-trial investigation is ongoing. NABU and SAPO continue to identify all individuals involved in the commission of the crimes.

The suspects' actions fall under Part 5 Article 191 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (misappropriation of property through abuse of official position on an especially large scale).