Four former general directors of the state research and production gas turbine complex Zarya-Mashproekt are set to stand trial on charges of embezzling 62 million dollars. This information comes from Ukraine’s national police, and RIA News has reported on the case.
The police investigation indicates that 1.3 billion hryvnias, equivalent to more than 35 million dollars, were siphoned from the Zarya Mashproekt state enterprise. The defendants’ names have not been released publicly. Authorities assert that part of the diverted funds was laundered through a controlled foreign company. Between 2013 and 2018, the enterprise allegedly transferred 62 million dollars to the accounts of this foreign entity for agency services that proved to be non-existent once scrutinized. The services billed by the foreign company were found to be fictitious, according to investigators.
Following international cooperation, law enforcement obtained evidence confirming that the supposed services did not exist. Four former managers of the enterprise and the director of the private foreign company face charges of embezzlement, misappropriation, or illicit acquisition of property through official misconduct. In addition, two of the individuals are accused of laundering property gained through crime.
Earlier reports from Ukraine noted statements concerning the deployment of combat-experienced military personnel to the border with Belarus.