New suspect in UAH 3.2 million grain theft case

On Nov. 23, 2020, the Detectives of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) under the procedural guidance of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor`s Office (SAPO) served a notice of suspicion on the acting director of the State Enterprise "Okhtyrsky Bakery Combine" of the State Reserve Agency of Ukraine (SRAU). He is suspected of the misappropriation of grain worth over UAH 3.2 million.

The actions of the suspect fall under Part 3 Art. 27, Part 5 Art. 191, Part 3 Art. 27, Part 2 Art. 28, Part 1 Art. 366 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

The investigation has revealed that in November 2020 the suspect shipped grain stored at the SE's 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, three persons involved in the crime were notified of suspicion. They are the head of a branch, the head of the production and technical laboratory and the head of the silo of the State Enterprise "Okhtyrsky Bakery Combine". The investigation against them has been completed. On Nov. 16, 2021, the case materials were disclosed.

NABU is also investigating several more episodes into abuses 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.