Defense corruption: UAH 27.3 million procurement scheme exposed (PHOTO)
NABU and SAPO, in cooperation with the Security Service of Ukraine, have uncovered a multi-million corruption scheme employed during the procurement of defense products by the Logistics Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
As established, heads of two structural divisions of the Central Support Directorate for Aviation and Air Defense of the Armed Forces Logistics Command abused their offices to benefit representatives of two private companies, ensuring their victory in tenders for the procurement of aviation components. With the officials’ facilitation, bids from a pre-selected group of participants came in for consideration, creating the illusion of competitive bidding. At the same time, more favorable offers from another participant were either deliberately distorted or entirely disregarded.
As a result, the Logistics Forces signed disadvantageous contracts, leading to an overpayment of UAH 27.3 million for the products.
Both officials have been notified of suspicion under Part 2 Article 28 and Part 2 Article 364 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
The investigation is ongoing. Detectives are examining the entire procurement chain accompanied by a significant price increase.
According to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is considered not-guilty in the commission of a crime and cannot be subject to criminal punishment until he or she is found guilty by court.
