Ex-head of defence ministry department detained for bribe of $1.3 million

$1.3 million for winning a tender for housing for the military: NABU and SAPO complete investigation

National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and Specialised anti-corruption prosecutor's office completed the pre-trial investigation in the case of former head of a department of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.

The essence of the case

According to the investigation, the official is suspected of requests for undue advantage in the amount of $1.3 million from the developer for winning a tender for the construction of housing for military personnel in Kyiv.

In order to avoid direct contact with the developer, the defendant

• attracted two accomplices;

• organised the transfer of funds in parts through bank cells.

The course of events

After the start of the competition, the developer asked reduce the amount of bribes to $1 million and handed over the first part of the unlawful benefit.

Immediately afterwards:

• accomplices of an official notified of suspicion;

• Later, the suspicion was announced and the former head of the Defence Ministry's department himself.

Next steps

The NABU and the SAPO opened the criminal proceedings to the defence. Upon completion of this procedure, the case will be sent to court for consideration on the merits.

Context.

Cases related to the construction of housing for the military are in the focus of anti-corruption bodies due to increased social sensitivity and the importance of providing housing for Ukraine's defenders in times of war.