Generators donated by Germany stolen in Odesa

Officials stole humanitarian generators worth UAH 2.2 million in Odesa

Law enforcement officers have submitted to court an indictment against three former officials of a utility company in Odesa who, according to the investigation, illegally used humanitarian generators donated for critical city infrastructure.

Details of the case

At the end of 2022, Odesa Electrotechnical Maintenance and Installation Enterprise took over the following four generators with a total value of over UAH 2.2 million - equipment that was transferred to the city as humanitarian aid, in particular from Germany and Kherson region, to support critical infrastructure facilities during martial law.

The investigation established that these generators were not used for their intended purpose. Instead of supporting hospitals, municipal facilities or shelters, the equipment was connected to private facilities:

• two diesel generators provide electricity supply restaurant and cafe in the centre of Odesa;

• one generator worked for private house in Odesa district;

• another - for car washes.

Law enforcement officers seized the equipment as material evidence during the searches.

Legal qualification and consequences

The former director of the utility company and the former chief engineer are charged with embezzlement of other people's property that was under the authority of an official, committed repeatedly and by prior conspiracy (Article 191(4) and (5) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). The company's mechanic is accused of aiding and abetting of the crime.

The indictment was sent to court by the Prymorskyi District Prosecutor's Office of Odesa. The suspects face up to 12 years in prison, deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities for up to three years and confiscation of property.

Context.

This case is one of several where law enforcement officers have exposed schemes misuse of humanitarian aid in times of war, which causes significant budget losses and undermines confidence in the allocation of resources in a critical period.