A large-scale theft of goods at the Desna military unit: the suspect is under house arrest and may return to the AFU

A large-scale theft of goods at the Desna military unit: the suspect is under house arrest and may return to the AFU

In June 2024, a large-scale food theft scheme was uncovered at a military training unit in Desna (Chernihiv region). According to open sources, Major Vasyl Osipenko, the head of logistics of the unit, and Sergeant Nataliya Shutenko, who headed the dining facility, were involved.

According to serviceman Kukharuk, personnel systematically removed state food supplies intended for the military and sold them in cafes, shops, and to private buyers. The estimated damage could amount to 400,000–500,000 hryvnias monthly.

There have been 59 officially recorded episodes of theft. Major Osipenko himself has admitted to some of them.

On January 27, 2025, law enforcement officers detained the suspect. During searches, stockpiles of food and a large amount of cash were found. Despite this evidence, the court did not apply any preventive measure in the form of detention. Osipenko has been under house arrest for over five months.

According to the latest information, the possibility of temporarily returning Osipenko to the ranks of the Armed Forces is being considered. Separately, there is a discussion about delaying the case review "until the end of the war."

In his social media post on Facebook, Dmytro Kukharchuk publicly appealed to the public to draw attention to the situation:

"I urge everyone to spread this story... This is looting, and it must be publicly and demonstrably punished!"

The public is concerned about the possible avoidance of responsibility in the case, which is already being called an example of impunity during the war.