Ex-Kharkiv aircraft plant official suspected of embezzling UAH 30 million

On July 30, 2021, NABU, SAPO, and the SBU notified one of the ex-officials of Kharkiv State Aircraft Manufacturing Company (part of Ukroboronprom) of suspicion of embezzling USD 1.93 million and EUR 553.24 thousand (a total of some UAH 30 million). The actions of the suspect fall under Part 5 Art. 191 ("misappropriation, embezzlement or conversion of property by abuse of official post") of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

As the whereabouts of the suspect is not established, the notice of suspicion was served in accordance with Art. 135, Art. 278 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine.

As established, in 2013-2015, the official organized the transfer of EUR 553.24 thousand and more than USD 1.93 million from the state enterprise to a commercial company for alleged agency services for the sale abroad of military goods produced by the plant. However, in reality, the agency services were never provided by the mentioned company.

Due to the international aspect of the crime, considerable constant communication with the competent authorities of other states was needed. This cooperation eventually helped gather the necessary evidence to notify the ex-official of suspicion.

The pre-trial investigation is ongoing. Other possible participants in the crime are being identified.

According to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is considered non-guilty in the commission of a crime and cannot be subject to criminal punishment until he or she is found guilty by court.