Embezzlement Scheme Uncovered in Odesa Funeral Funds for Fallen Ukrainian Soldiers

A criminal scheme in Odesa siphoned off nearly half the funds meant for the free burial of relatives of fallen Ukrainian soldiers, according to National Police investigators and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) on Wednesday.

The investigation discovered that the heads of contracting organizations, officials of the Odesa City Department of Economy and a utility company were involved in the scheme. 

The parties concluded contracts at inflated prices for the tombstones of fallen soldiers and split the difference, according to the SBU’s press release.

The investigation concluded that between 2023 and 2024, the entrepreneurs embezzled more than Hr 2.1 million ($50,078) out of Hr 4.8 million ($114,465) allocated by the Odesa City Council to install 88 funeral monuments.

The Prosecutor General’s Office informed the defendants of the crime under Article 191, Part 4, Paragraph 5 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (embezzlement, embezzlement of property or embezzlement by abuse of official position in conditions of war or state of emergency on a large scale or by an organized group). 

The suspects face up to 12 years in prison with property confiscation if convicted. Authorities are currently deciding on preventive measures.

Odessa City Council Deputy Oleksandr Slavskyi called the defendants “stupid plunderers.” 

“I am not waiting for the court’s verdict, but I am already issuing a judgment!” he said. 

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