Ukraine’s SBU State Security Service under the procedural guidance of the Vinnytsia Regional Prosecutor’s Office has blocked the illegal export of aircraft engines from the country. The engines are subject to mandatory state export control.
The SBU’s website on Jan. 28 said operatives of the special services established that, within the framework of official agreements, a Middle East country sent four Mi-24 engines to a Ukrainian commercial entity for repairs. In connection with the refusal of the customer to pay the cost of the work performed, the property became the property of the state and was transferred to a commercial entity for sale.
SBU agents said two Zaporizhia entrepreneurs found buyers for engines from a country that is under the sanctions of the UN Security Council, assessing the cost of the goods at nearly $1 million. They also guaranteed customers the production of a package of fake documentation for the unhindered removal of units from Ukraine under the guise of civilian products.
Militiamen detained the suspects in Zaporizhia during their attempt to sell the four engines to the customer.
Criminal proceedings under Part 1 of Article 333 (violation of the order of international transfers of goods subject to state export control) and Part 5 of Article 191 (misappropriation, embezzlement of property or seizing it by abuse of official position) of Ukraine’s Criminal Code of Ukraine have been initiated. Investigative actions are underway, including searches at the place of residence and work of the suspects. Information about their possible involvement in illegal transactions with the aggressor country is being checked.
