A scheme to embezzle 65 million UAH of state gas was exposed in Dnipropetrovsk region

The Security Service of Ukraine, together with the National Police, exposed a scheme in Dnipropetrovsk region to embezzle natural gas from the state gas transmission system. According to the investigation, during 2025-2026, the participants of the scheme illegally withdrew almost 3.4 million cubic meters of gas worth over 65 million UAH. The stolen fuel was sold through controlled gas stations.

The Security Service of Ukraine reported this on October 20.

According to the investigation materials, the organizer of the scheme was the head of the gas measurement and metrology service of the regional department of the state gas company. According to law enforcement, he involved the head of a section of the same unit in the illegal activity.

The investigation found that to conceal the unauthorized gas withdrawal, the officials disconnected metering devices at gas transmission system facilities, altered metering readings, and falsified reporting documentation. This allowed them to hide the actual volumes of withdrawn fuel.

To further sell the gas, the organizers, according to the SBU, involved 11 more people associated with a private enterprise engaged in wholesale fuel trading.

The stolen natural gas volumes were transported by specialized mobile gas tankers to their own compressor stations. From there, the fuel was sold to customers for cash, including through affiliated gas stations.

During searches, law enforcement seized computer equipment, accounting documents, and rough notes, which, according to the investigation, confirm the functioning of the scheme.

All 13 participants were notified of suspicion under several articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. In particular, it concerns theft on an especially large scale committed by an organized group, and unauthorized actions with information in computer systems.

According to the SBU, all suspects are in custody. If found guilty, they face up to 12 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property.

The investigation is conducted by the SBU and the National Police with the assistance of the management of LLC "Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine" and the procedural guidance of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Prosecutor's Office.

Based on materials from: Security Service of Ukraine