Fictitious 'combat' payments of UAH 4 million exposed in a military unit

The former head of the financial and economic service of a military unit and ten of his former subordinates have been notified of new suspicions in a case concerning the illegal assignment of 'combat' payments.

According to the report by the Prosecutor General's Office, from August 2023 to October 2024, documents were prepared in the military unit containing false information about the purported participation of accountants in combat operations in the Zaporizhzhia sector.

According to the investigation, the employees of the financial department did not perform combat or special tasks in the areas of hostilities, yet they received up to UAH 100,000 in additional remuneration each month. In total, almost UAH 4 million was unjustifiably paid to them from the state budget.

The former head of the financial and economic service has been notified of a new suspicion of misappropriation or embezzlement of property, official forgery, and negligent attitude toward military service. Ten of his former subordinates are suspected of misappropriation or embezzlement of property.

Earlier, this major had already been notified of a suspicion of abuse of office and negligent attitude toward military service. According to the investigation, he also failed to ensure proper control over the work of the financial service.

In another episode, the head of the settlement group of this service was sentenced to eight years of imprisonment. The investigation established that through the 'Salary Project' system, he transferred over UAH 7.3 million, intended for payments to military personnel, to his own bank accounts.

The total amount of losses to the state from the episodes established in the case exceeds UAH 11.3 million. The investigation into the former head of the financial service and ten accountants continues. According to the Constitution of Ukraine, the suspects are considered innocent until their guilt is proven by a court.