SBI announced the embezzlement of 37.7 million UAH on fortifications in Sumy region

The State Bureau of Investigation announced the embezzlement of over 37.7 million UAH allocated for the construction of fortifications in the Sumy region. Four people have been notified of suspicion — a former official of the regional military administration, a technical supervision specialist, and two representatives of the contracting organization.

According to the investigation, in February–March 2024, the Cabinet of Ministers allocated more than 708 million UAH to the Lviv Regional Military Administration from the state budget reserve fund for the construction of fortifications and defensive lines in the Sumy region.

The SBI claims that the former official involved a technical supervision specialist and contractor representatives in the scheme. The investigation believes that the participants inflated the cost of construction materials and the volume of work performed, then drew up the relevant acts.

Part of the received budget funds, according to law enforcement, was returned to officials in the form of so-called kickbacks.

Investigators documented five episodes related to the construction of two strongholds and three defensive lines. The estimated damage — over 37.7 million UAH — is confirmed by a complex of construction-technical, commodity and economic expertise.

During searches at the residences of contractor representatives, law enforcement officers seized electronic storage devices that, according to the SBI, may contain evidence in the case.

The suspects were notified of suspicion of embezzlement of budget funds on a particularly large scale and complicity in the crime. The maximum penalty under the relevant article provides for up to 12 years in prison.

Preventive measures in the form of detention with the possibility of bail were imposed on the suspects. Their property has been arrested.

The pre-trial investigation continues. The SBI is identifying other persons who may have been involved in the alleged embezzlement. The investigation is conducted in cooperation with the Security Service of Ukraine and the National Police, with procedural supervision by the Specialized Prosecutor's Office in the field of defense of the Western region.

Based on materials from: State Bureau of Investigation