The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office have announced the exposure of a large-scale corruption scheme at the State Food and Grain Corporation of Ukraine. According to the investigation, an organised criminal group seized grain worth UAH 776 million through fictitious contracts and forgery.
Grain theft scheme: details of the investigation
The NABU and the SAPO found that in 2021, the management of the SFGCU entered into four foreign economic contracts with a foreign company for the supply of feed corn. In violation of the contract, the original bills of lading were handed over to the buyer before payment was received, which allowed the vessels to be unloaded and the grain to be disposed of without hindrance. At the same time, the state corporation kept only copies of the documents with forged signatures and seals to create the illusion of control.
State losses and further investigative actions
As a result of the criminal actions, the state corporation lost almost 106,000 tonnes of grain, which is estimated at UAH 776 million. The organised group consisted of former top managers of the State Food and Grain Corporation and representatives of a foreign company. Investigative actions are currently underway to identify all persons involved in the scheme, as well as possible other episodes of embezzlement of state property.
Ukrainian
English
