Ukrainian protection officers and company executives sought to steal about $40 million by way of a fraudulent arms procurement scheme, the nation's high intelligence and safety company mentioned Saturday.
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Allegations of corruption have been confirmed by Ukraine's protection ministry, which served the officers concerned with notices of suspicion.
They arrive as Republicans in the US resist President Joe Biden's efforts to ship extra support to Ukraine, and as former President Donald Trump has spoken out towards army assist for the US in Kiev, seems to be on a collision course towards the Republican nomination.
Ukraine's SBU safety service mentioned present and former senior officers of the protection ministry and heads of affiliated corporations “tried to steal nearly 1.5 billion UAH ($40 million) from the funds procuring 100,000 mortar rounds for the Armed Forces.”
They allegedly signed a contract to purchase the shells from the arms provider Lviv Arsenal in August 2022, after which the Ministry of Protection “transferred the whole quantity stipulated within the signed doc to the corporate's accounts.”
From there, the funds went to a overseas enterprise entity that was supposed to provide the ammunition, however “not an artillery shell” was ever despatched to Ukraine, in response to the SBU.
Officers accused of collaborating within the scheme embody present and former heads of the Division of Army and Technical Coverage of the Ministry of Protection, Improvement of Armaments and Army Tools, in addition to the top of Lviv Arsenal.
One of many suspects was arrested by the SBU whereas making an attempt to depart Ukraine and is presently in custody.
In line with the overall prosecutor of Ukraine, the stolen funds have been seized and might be returned to the protection funds.
Ukraine has confronted a collection of corruption scandals in latest months, together with a number of within the protection ministry.
In August 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed all officers answerable for army gear in all areas to finish a system by which some folks have been allowed to flee conscription.
Curbing corruption is without doubt one of the circumstances that the European Union has set for Ukraine because it seeks membership.
Ukraine guarantees zero tolerance for corruption as minister arrested
(AFP)
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