Parts for Tanks and BMPs Worth 20 Million Transferred to the Front, Hidden by Kyiv Company
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has announced the discovery and transfer of components for T-64 and T-72 tanks, as well as BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles and MT-LB armored vehicles, which were hidden in the warehouses of a Kyiv-based company. The total value of these parts amounts to 20 million hryvnias, indicating serious scale of abuse and potential violations in this sector.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has revealed that it has uncovered and transferred to the front line a significant cache of components for T-64 and T-72 tanks, along with BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles and MT-LB armored vehicles. These parts, valued at an astonishing 20 million hryvnias, were found concealed in the warehouses of a Kyiv-based company, raising alarming questions about potential misconduct and abuse within the military supply chain.
During the investigation, it became evident that the company, which specializes in selling components for artillery and small arms, may have employed illegal schemes to evade taxation. This revelation is the result of meticulous investigative actions conducted as part of a criminal proceeding aimed at uncovering the full extent of the wrongdoing.
Searches conducted at the company's warehouses uncovered 109 pallets filled with parts for heavy weaponry that had not been declared in any reporting documentation. The value of this military product stands at 20 million hryvnias, which has sparked serious concerns regarding the legality of its storage and potential use.
The entrepreneurs who own the company have agreed to voluntarily donate the discovered batch of components to the Armed Forces of Ukraine as charitable assistance during the investigative actions. This decision marks a significant step in the fight against corruption and abuse within the military sector, showcasing a commitment to transparency and accountability.
It is important to note that a criminal proceeding has been initiated under part 5 of Article 191 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, with ongoing investigations to ascertain all circumstances surrounding the crime. This article stipulates liability for misappropriation, embezzlement of property, or acquisition through abuse of office.
Furthermore, as reported by Ukrinform, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP) previously uncovered an organized criminal group that, between 2014 and 2019, embezzled funds from enterprises within the Ukroboronprom conglomerate, totaling over 32 million hryvnias. This group also attempted to seize additional funds from these enterprises amounting to over 19 million hryvnias.
These events underscore the critical importance of monitoring the activities of enterprises operating within the military sector and the necessity of preventing corrupt schemes that could threaten national security. The Security Service of Ukraine continues its efforts in this direction to ensure transparency and legality in all aspects of military operations.
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