The investigators’ allegations are serious: an official from the Ministry of Defense is said to have been involved in embezzling around 36 million euros when purchasing ammunition for the armed forces.
In Ukraine, a Defense Ministry official has been arrested over a million-dollar ammunition procurement scam. The man is said to have been involved in embezzling 1.5 billion hryvnias (around 36 million euros) when purchasing artillery ammunition for the Ukrainian armed forces, investigators in Kiev said. The public prosecutor’s office published defaced photos of the suspect and seized evidence. Defense Minister Olexij Reznikov was also fired this year following corruption scandals in the ministry.
The official is said to have signed an unfavorable contract to procure ammunition for the Ukrainian defenders in their fight against the Russian war of aggression. The costs of purchasing from an exporter are said to have been 30 percent higher than purchasing directly from the manufacturer, which also had shorter delivery times.
The armed forces at the front are continually demanding more and faster deliveries of ammunition in order to be able to successfully repel Russian attacks. The country, which has been defending itself against the Russian invasion since February 24, 2022, is dependent on billions in aid from the West.
Documents secured
During a search of the officer’s offices and apartment, documents were seized that confirmed the illegal activity, the investigators said in the case that became known on Friday. According to the Ministry of Defense in Kiev, steps are being taken to return the stolen 1.5 billion hryvnias to Ukraine’s budget. The investigation was ongoing. If convicted, the officer faces up to 15 years in prison.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly announced a rigorous fight against corruption and misappropriation of funds in the state apparatus. Proof of success in this fight is also considered a prerequisite for Ukraine’s membership in the European Union. The EU officially decided to start accession negotiations this month. Critics point out that the country is one of the most corrupt states in Europe. The US magazine “Time” recently anonymously quoted a high-ranking official in Kiev as saying that theft in the country was happening like there was no tomorrow.
Source: Stern
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