In Kharkiv, officials of heating networks embezzled UAH 160 million for infrastructure restoration

In Kharkiv, officials of heating networks embezzled UAH 160 million for infrastructure restoration

NABU detectives exposed the organized group and reported suspicion to seven individuals involved in the seizure of funds, including international partners of Ukraine, which were intended for the restoration of critical infrastructure in Kharkiv.

Among the suspects: the leader of an organized group; two employees of the Kharkiv Heating Networks enterprise; four people controlled by the leader of the organized group.

As the investigation established, starting in April 2022, the organizer of the group, one of the influential businessmen, in collusion with officials of the Kharkiv Heating Networks enterprise, including the first deputy general director of the enterprise, and a number of controlled individuals, jointly took possession of the funds of the utility company and the funds of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, intended for the restoration and development of the urban infrastructure of the Kharkiv region.

To this end, the accomplices achieved the conclusion of direct contracts with controlled companies for the supply of pipe products, windows and industrial salt to the Kharkiv Heating Networks enterprise. At the same time, the participants in the transaction did not disdain to use the conditions of martial law as a reason not to hold open tenders. Subsequently, the controlled winner of the purchases, through a number of intermediary companies, ensured the purchase of products directly from the manufacturer and resold them to the utility company at significantly inflated prices.

When carrying out such transactions, the accomplices used forged documents and provided documentary support for artificially inflating prices for the supplied products. As a result of such purchases, the utility company suffered losses in the amount of 159.5 million hryvnia, which the participants in the crime took possession of and disposed of at their own discretion. The actions of persons are qualified under Part 5 of Art. 191, part 2 art. 28, part 4 art. 358 CC.