Officials of Donetsk region misappropriated UAH 140 million for reconstruction

Officials in Donetsk region misappropriated UAH 140 million intended for reconstruction during the war

Another corruption scheme has been exposed in the context of a full-scale war in Ukraine. In Donetsk region, officials misappropriated 140 million UAH, that were to be directed to critical needs heating and water supply frontline cities.

According to the investigation, the scheme involved the head of the Housing and Communal Services Department of the Regional State Administration and several of his accomplices.

How the scheme worked

The NABU and the SAPO found that in the spring of 2023, a group of officials:

- identified facilities that needed to be restored at the expense of the budget;
- artificially inflated the cost equipment and works;
- formally created competition in the bidding process;
- ensured the victory of the controlled entity, The thefts were committed through the use of the device.

As a result, a significant portion of the funds allocated to provide people with heat and drinking water ended up in the pockets of officials.

Suspicions are announced

The NABU served a notice of suspicion to the head of the department and other members of the organised group. SAPO prosecutors are preparing a motion for preventive measures.

Law enforcement officials emphasise that the theft of funds for reconstruction in time of war is a particularly cynical crime that directly endangers the lives of civilians.

The investigation is ongoing.