Explosive Scandal Uncovered in Kherson: Deception in Mine Clearance Scheme

According to reports from Ukrinform, the State Bureau of Investigations (DBR) has formally charged the director of a private enterprise engaged in demining activities, as well as the head of a team of sappers. This development follows an extensive investigation that uncovered significant breaches of contract obligations related to mine clearance in the Kherson region.

In May 2025, the aforementioned company won tenders and signed two contracts for the demining of agricultural lands in the Kherson region, covering a total area of approximately 122 hectares. The cost of these operations exceeded 6 million hryvnias. However, it was later revealed that these plots of land had already been cleared of explosive objects in 2023-2024, and were actively utilized by farmers.

Despite this, the individuals involved in the case decided to merely simulate the execution of the work to unlawfully obtain funds from the state budget. To create the illusion of demining, they dispatched sappers who performed staged actions: digging the soil, placing objects resembling munitions, and 'discovering' them during inspections. Subsequently, they compiled false reports of completed work, which were signed by various land users.

As a result, the contracting authority received documents claiming that the territories had been cleared, while the participants in the scheme embezzled over 6 million hryvnias from the state budget. The director of the enterprise and the head of the sapper group have been charged with large-scale embezzlement committed in conspiracy by a group of individuals during a state of martial law, as well as with official forgery.

According to Part 5 of Article 191 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, the penalties for these crimes can include up to 12 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property. It is noteworthy that previously, within the framework of this investigation, two entrepreneurs cooperated with the authorities, providing incriminating testimonies and confirming that the demining work had, in fact, not been conducted.

Investigators are continuing to identify other individuals involved in this scheme, examining financial transactions and potential similar episodes. The Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office is overseeing the procedural management of this case.

Additionally, as reported by Ukrinform, prosecutors recently announced charges against four participants in another scheme related to the misappropriation of funds for the procurement of medical equipment in the Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr, and Sumy regions. Three episodes of this scheme were documented in 2024, resulting in damages to the budget exceeding 5.6 million hryvnias.

For more information and news updates, join our channels on Telegram, Instagram, and YouTube.