The Ukrainian security service SBU has discovered a corruption scheme in the purchase of weapons by the Ukrainian army worth approximately $40 million (36.80 million euros). “According to the investigation, former and current senior officials of the Ministry of Defense and heads of subsidiaries are involved in the embezzlement,” the SBU said on Saturday (local time).
An investigation has uncovered “Defense Ministry officials and managers of arms supplier Lviv Arsenal.” The embezzlement includes the purchase of 100,000 mortar rounds for the military, the statement said.
According to the SBU, a contract with Lviv Arsenal for the purchase of the grenades was concluded in August 2022, six months after the start of the war. Payment was made in advance, with part of the money being transferred abroad.
Suspect arrested
However, according to the statement, no weapons were ever delivered. “Suspicions” – the first stage of a Ukrainian lawsuit – were issued against five people from both the ministry and the arms supplier. A suspect was arrested while trying to cross the Ukrainian border.
A large-scale procurement fraud has also been confirmed by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense. Corruption within the military is a particularly sensitive issue in Ukraine as the country seeks to maintain public morale and also join the EU.
Source: Krone
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