The SSU Military Counterintelligence and investigators, with the assistance of the Minister of Defense, have uncovered the embezzlement of over UAH 1 billion (USD 24 million) allocated for food supplies of the Armed Forces of Ukraine between March and December 2022.

According to the investigation, a former head of one of the MoD departments is involved in the illegal activities.

While in office in the spring of 2022, he entered into a contract with a private company for the purchase of wholesale food products and their supply to the AFU.

The cost of the products was intentionally increased by 41% and the price for organizing their delivery rose by 221%.

The case file shows that the official didn't properly check the amounts and didn't get approval from the defense departments to sign the contract. This led to large-scale budget losses.

A forensic economic investigation initiated by law enforcement agencies confirmed the embezzlement of defense funds.

SSU investigators have notified the offender of suspicion under Article 191.5 of the CCU (misappropriation, embezzlement or seizure of property through abuse of office).

Court is to decide on a measure of restraint. The suspect faces up to 12 years in prison with the confiscation of property.

The investigation is ongoing to prosecute all those involved in the crime.

The operation was carried out under the procedural supervision of the Prosecutor General’s Office.