In brief
Ukraine’s State Bureau of Investigation alleges losses exceeding 37.7 million hryvnias through inflated costs and payments for work never completed.
Ukraine’s State Bureau of Investigation said on October 6 that four people had been formally notified of suspicion in an alleged embezzlement scheme involving fortifications in Sumy region, Novynarnia reported. Investigators put the losses at more than 37.7 million hryvnias.
The suspects include a former Lviv regional military administration official, a technical supervision specialist and two contractor representatives. In February–March 2024, the government allocated more than 708 million hryvnias to the Lviv administration from its budget reserve fund to build fortifications and defensive lines in Sumy region.
Investigators allege that the suspects inflated material costs and construction volumes, documented work that had not been carried out and returned some funds to officials as kickbacks. The bureau said it documented five episodes involving two strongpoints and three defensive strips, and that expert examinations supported its loss estimate.
Courts ordered the suspects held in custody with the option of bail and froze their assets. They could face up to 12 years in prison if convicted. The investigation continues; Novynarnia’s report did not cite a conviction.