Kharkiv exposes $4 million misappropriation scheme for critical infrastructure restoration
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau, in collaboration with
the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, uncovered an organized
group accused of misappropriating funds earmarked for the restoration of
critical infrastructure in Kharkiv, the NABU reported on April 11.
According to the investigation, the group was created in
2022.
Its organizer was an influential businessman who, in
collusion with the first deputy director general of Kharkiv Heating Networks,
managed to secure direct contracts with companies under his control for supply
of pipe products, windows, and technical salt.
At the same time, participants of the deal used martial law
as a reason not to hold open tenders.
After that, the “winner” purchased the products from the
manufacturer through a number of intermediary companies and resold them at more
than twice the price. At the same time, the municipal enterprise had
direct economic relations with this manufacturer.
As a result of the scheme, losses in the amount of $4 million
were caused, which offenders seized and disposed of at their own discretion.
It is noted that part of these funds in the amount of $560
thousand was provided by World Bank’s structure - the International Bank for
Reconstruction and Development. This money was intended for development of
urban infrastructure.
Currently, seven people have been notified of suspicion:
- leader of organized group
- first deputy general director and one of the directors of Kharkiv Heating Networks
- four people controlled by leader of organized group.
The military war may be swinging in our favor, but the information war continues.
Just as an army needs soldiers, so does a free society need its journalists to ensure that people have access to honest, trustworthy voices to understand the world around them.
For the past five years, The New Voice of Ukraine has been working tirelessly to push back against Russian narratives and defend democracy. But we cannot do it alone.
Please consider supporting us on Patreon for just $5 a month – your donation does directly to supporting journalists and ensuring that this front of the infowar says solid and defended.
Thank you.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News
