Leadership of State Special Communications Service is suspected of embezzling UAH 62 million during purchase of software, - NABU. INFOGRAPHICS
On November 20, 2023, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) exposed an organized group consisting of the leadership of the State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine (SSSCIP), which embezzled public funds in the amount of more than UAH 62 million.
This was reported by Censor.NET with reference to the NABU press centre.
The investigation established that in 2020, the owner of a group of companies, in collusion with the management of the State Special Communications Service, developed a scheme to embezzle budget funds allocated for the purchase of hardware and software. For this purpose, two controlled companies were involved, and the procurement was kept secret to avoid open tenders and ensure their victory. With these companies, the state-owned enterprise subordinated to the State Special Communications Service concluded contracts for the supply of relevant software and services and transferred in 2021-2022. funds in the amount of more than UAH 285 million. However, the real value of the software, which the companies purchased from a foreign manufacturer, was UAH 223 million, and the difference of more than UAH 62 million was seized by the participants of the crime.
"These funds were withdrawn to the accounts of controlled companies abroad for the purpose of legalization and distribution among members of the organized group," the NABU said.
Six people are currently suspected:
- Head of the State Service for Special Communications and his deputy;
- CEO and employee of a state-owned enterprise;
- the owner of the group of companies (the scheme organizer) and one of its employees.
Qualification: Part 5 Art. 191 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
The issue of choosing a measure of restraint is being decided. The pre-trial investigation is ongoing.
Earlier, the Cabinet of Ministers dismissed the leadership of the State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection. Thus, Yurii Shchyhol was dismissed as the Head of the State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine, and Viktor Zhora was dismissed as the Deputy Head of the State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine for Digital Development, Digital Transformation and Digitalisation.
