Theft of grain worth UAH 3.2 million: investigation completed

On Nov. 16, 2021, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) сompleted an investigation into possible theft of grain worth over UAH 3.2 million by officials of the State Reserve Agency of Ukraine in Sumy region (SRAU). The case materials were disclosed for review.

The suspects are:

• the head of a branch of the State Enterprise "Okhtyrsky Bakery Combine";
• the head of the production and technical laboratory of the State Enterprise "Okhtyrsky Bakery Combine";
• the head of the silo of the State Enterprise "Okhtyrsky Bakery Combine".

The actions of the suspects fall under Part 5 Article of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

The investigation has revealed that in November 2020 the head of a branch of the State Enterprise "Okhtyrsky Bakery Combine" shipped grain stored at its silo to commercial companies free of charge and without any permission of the owner of the grain. Hence, more than 189 tons of grain worth UAH 3.2 million were misappropriated. Despite the fact the grain was taken away, NABU carried out investigative actions to prevent the theft and return it to the state enterprise. Shortly after, all those involved in the crime were notified of suspicion.

NABU is also investigating several more episodes of abuse at SRAU enterprises.

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.