Ex-officials of Ukrpatent withdrew UAH 250 million allegedly for bulletproof vests – SBI
The Prosecutor General’s Office and the State Bureau of Investigation exposed a number of high-ranking officials who embezzled UAH 250 million. The funds were transferred to volunteer accounts allegedly for the purchase of bulletproof vests for the military.
The main suspect is the head of the state enterprise Ukrpatent. According to law enforcement, he could have organized a scheme involving the chief accountant and the acting state secretary of the Ministry of Economy. In addition, the head of one of the charitable organizations is involved in the fraud.
The former head of the state-owned enterprise had a balance of funds on the account, which he could spend only for statutory needs. However, he decided to take possession of them.
It was the director of the charity organization who prepared forged documentation on the alleged need to purchase bulletproof vests for the Armed Forces. The money transferred to the so-called benefactor was cashed through a number of fictitious companies and appropriated by the scheme participants.
After withdrawing the money, the former director of Ukrpatent left Ukraine. Currently, law enforcement officers are checking the legality of the grounds for his departure. The Acting State Secretary of the Ministry resigned from her job, hoping to avoid responsibility for her actions.
Now the accounts of the companies involved in the fraud have been arrested.
Office of the Prosecutor General
Office of the Prosecutor General
The director and chief accountant of Ukrpatent, a former official of the ministry and the director of a charitable organization were notified of suspicion under Part 5 of Art. 191 (misappropriation of property) of the Criminal Code. The maximum punishment under these articles provides for imprisonment for up to 12 years.
For reference.
The State Enterprise Ukrpatent is a part of the Ministry of Economy and deals with the examination and state registration of industrial designs, geographical indications, inventions, trademarks, etc.
The current head of Ukrpatent is Oleksandr Opanasenko, according to the company’s website. Until August, the head was Andriy Kudin.
