Investigators from the State Bureau of Investigation (DBR), in collaboration with employees of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), have served a notice of suspicion, a legal step taken prior to indictment, to the commander of a military unit in the Donetsk region and four of his subordinates.
The individuals are reported to have facilitated an illegal scheme to fraudulently extract “combat” bonuses for military units deployed far away from the front line. These bonus funds are allocated for soldiers engaged in active fighting duties in hostile environments. The perpetrators are alleged to have illegally drawn the money using this scheme for a period of seven months, resulting in approximately Hr. 5 million (equivalent to around $135,000) in damages to the state.
Information about the investigation was published on the official page of the DBR on July 3.
The investigation reveals that the defendants include nine servicemen from the unit who were listed as payment beneficiaries, despite their being stationed outside the Donetsk region. As a result, they did not participate in direct combat operations but received all the payments that would normally be attributed by law. Specifically, between March and September 2022, each was allegedly in receipt of a monthly payment of Hr. 100,000 ($2,700) to their bank accounts.
During the investigation, authorities conducted searches that resulted in the seizure of documents purportedly used by the suspects to commit fraud in relation to the combat bonus scheme.
Ukraine’s Investigation Uncovers Hr.11 Million State Railway Embezzlement Scheme
The Specialized Prosecutor's Office for Defense in the Eastern Region is overseeing the procedural management of the case. Currently, the relevant authorities are deciding on appropriate next steps which may include detention of the suspects.
The commander of the military unit has been charged with embezzlement and misappropriation of property belonging to others. The crimes were reportedly committed by an organized group through the abuse of their official positions on a significant scale. Additionally, the official is accused of intentionally issuing false official documents, in violation of Part 5 of Article 191 and Part 1 of Article 366 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
The four subordinates are suspected of embezzlement and wrongful appropriation of property belonging to others. They are also believed to have committed these crimes as part of an organized group, abusing their official positions on a significant scale. These charges align with Part 5 of Article 191 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
If found guilty, the defendants may face imprisonment for up to 12 years, along with the confiscation of their assets, as stipulated by the relevant articles.
You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter
Comments (6)
We need to know Zelensky is trying to catch these stupid greedy assholes .
Suggest taking this long standing article down because it can demoralise aid givers.
Nevertheless, please commit to relentless follow up and break silence only if necessary.
Embezzlement of Frontline soldiers’ pay is shameful, but in the context of this war, it is also treasonous. Western sceptics shout with loud voices that any help given to Ukraine will be stolen or sold before it reaches its intended recipients. I pout out that we would not know about such incidents if Ukraine was not fighting off its legacy of post-Soviet corruption, or if the press were silenced, But it is the scams people remember, because they are living in austere times & it is easy for them to imagine that if the UK were not supporting Ukraine, they would have better schools and be able to see a doctor when they need one.
Send those bastards to the front!
Stop stealing money if you want Nato protection and EU membership your just fucking yourself and others by doing this. But the Ukraine is clamping down on corruption so their is progress. But it is still happening was it worth it stealing aid money I don't think so because now these people are getting caught. Stupid stupid stupid.
@I support, @I support, The LAST thing Ukraine needs are EU dictates from Brussels to destroy the very essences of what it is to be Ukrainian. NATO has been dishonestly dangled in front of Ukraine for decades. A nation that depends on western Europe for its existence is in trouble. Germany 80% of business ties in russia are still active. For France its 72%.
Poland and other central European countries quietly recognize this truth. Ukraine is strong from within because of who UKRAINIANS are; hard working, family oriented, patriots who have long endured atrocities, hardships, and a largely disinterested west who did nothing in 2014.
It wasn't until UKRAINIAN heroisms SHAMED the west into providing military support, inhumanly incremental as it has been, after the valorous defense of Kyiv. The west was perfectly willing to allow putin to take Ukraine within their projections this could be done within 48-72 hours. They didn't care, their business interests were not affected. As an American this causes me great shame and dishonor. So much so, I just got back after spending several months in Ukraine assisting the humanitarian aid offensive. After spinal surgery, I will return, and not leave until all Ukraine is liberated. Once Ukraine receives the air capabilities it as has for for over a year, this immoral and unjustified war of conquest will shortly end after every russian "soldier" is either dead, or back in their caves at home.
Slava Ukraini! Geroyam Slava!!
@I support, The LAST thing Ukraine needs are EU dictates from Brussels to destroy the very essences of what it is to be Ukrainian.
And what is the essences of being Ukrainian... corruption, racism and delusional greatness obsession!?
shameful that people are so dishonest in time of war or any time really... Lock them all up and throw away the key.
@GregC, Upon conviction they should be executed, not imprisoned. Stealing combat pay also steals the honor due to combat units. No exceptions.