The Security Service of Ukraine has exposed a scheme of embezzlement of state funds during the purchase of ammunition totalling almost $40m, Reuters reports. Five defence ministry officials and managers of arms supplier Lviv Arsenal are suspected of attempting to embezzle funds during the purchase of 100,000 mortar ammunition.
The Security Service of Ukraine, with the assistance of the country’s Defence Ministry, has exposed a scheme to embezzle public funds during the purchase of ammunition worth 1.5bn hryvnyas (almost $40m), Reuters has reported.
According to the special service, the investigation exposed officials of the defence ministry and managers of the arms supplier Lviv Arsenal, who stole almost 1.5 billion hryvnias during the purchase of 100,000 mortar ammunition for the AFU.
According to the investigation, in August 2022, Ukrainian officials signed a contract for the purchase of a wholesale batch of shells with the supplier Lviv Arsenal. After receiving the funds, the company’s management transferred part of the money to the balance of a foreign commercial structure, which was supposed to deliver the ammunition. However, the company did not send any shells.
It is reported that charges of embezzlement and misappropriation of property have been brought against five officials of the defence ministry and employees of the arms supplier. One suspect was detained while trying to cross the Ukrainian border.