Corruption scandal in Dnipro: a city council official is suspected of embezzling 9 million hryvnias.

A significant scandal is unfolding in Dnipro, linked to the large-scale embezzlement of state funds allocated for strengthening the city's territorial defense. The deputy director of a municipal enterprise of the Dnipro City Council has been detained and is accused of misappropriating over 9 million hryvnias intended for the safety of Dnipro. This information was reported by "Vidomo," citing the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine (ESB).

According to the investigation, the official used his position to organize a scheme for embezzling budget funds allocated under the Program for Supporting the Territorial Defense of Dnipro for 2022–2026. This program, designed to provide Dnipro with the necessary resources to protect against potential threats, has become a target for embezzlement, representing a blatant crime against the safety of the city and its residents.

The embezzlement scheme was based on signing contracts for the supply of radio technical equipment at deliberately inflated prices. The official, abusing his powers, entered into contracts with a private company while disregarding legal requirements and the principles of transparency and integrity in public procurement.

Initially, under the pretext of meeting the needs of territorial defense, more than 120 sets of radio technical equipment and additional gear were purchased. The municipal enterprise transferred over 6 million hryvnias to the accounts of the private company. However, the criminal activity did not stop there. Similar contracts were signed again, this time for the supply of 628 sets of equipment, significantly increasing the scale of the embezzlement.

The total cost of the two purchases amounted to 25 million hryvnias. An examination conducted during the investigation revealed that the actual market value of the purchased equipment was significantly lower — the difference amounted to nearly 9.2 million hryvnias.

Thus, the actual amount of damage inflicted on the state budget was established — over 9 million hryvnias. This money, intended for ensuring the safety of the city of Dnipro, was embezzled and used for personal purposes.

The actions of the suspect are classified as embezzlement of state funds on a particularly large scale, which could lead to a lengthy prison sentence and substantial fines.

The investigation is gathering evidence, questioning witnesses, and examining financial documents to prove the suspect's guilt and identify all those involved in this criminal scheme. An analysis of contracts is also being conducted to uncover any possible collusion and corrupt connections.

Earlier, we reported that the former governor of Dnipropetrovsk was notified of suspicion in the case of purchasing cables for "Ukrzaliznytsia"

We also wrote - monitoring of state procurements in Dnipropetrovsk: the working group identified violations in 9 tenders