Food procurement scheme: ex-deputy minister of defense served with charges

On April 21, 2023, an interdepartmental investigation team comprising NABU detectives and SBI investigators, under the procedural guidance of SAPO prosecutors, notified the ex-deputy minister of defense and the former head of one of the MOD departments of suspicion of abuses in the procurement of food for the Armed Forces. The actions of the suspects caused almost UAH 12 million in damages and hindered the military from carrying out their direct duties to defend the country. They fall under Part 2 Art. 28, Part 2 Art. 114-1, Part 2 Art. 28, Part 2 Art. 364 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

According to the investigation, in 2020, the Ministry of Defense held tenders for the procurement of catering services for the Armed Forces for 2021. The former deputy minister instructed the head of the department to conclude additional agreements with service providers. According to them, the suppliers' obligations to transport food products and timely replenish the untouched food reserves of the Armed Forces were excluded from the main contracts. Therefore, the Armed Forces had to spend additional budget funds and involve personnel and equipment in these tasks.

As a result, the state suffered almost UAH 12 million in damages. In addition, the actions of the suspects led to a decrease in the combat readiness and defense capability of the Armed Forces and created a potential threat to the foundations of national security in a special period.