Odesa region: SSU detains military accountant who embezzled over UAH 10 million

The Military Counterintelligence of the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) exposed a large-scale embezzlement scheme of budget funds in one of the separate battalions of the Marine Corps of the Armed Forces in Odesa Oblast. The illegal activity was organized by an accountant from the financial and economic unit of the military unit.

According to the investigation, the official credited salaries and bonuses to the accounts of acquaintances who were not part of the battalion and were not serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

It was revealed that the perpetrator used the scheme to purchase a luxury-class car.

In total, the official embezzled over 10 million budgetary hryvnias.

To implement the scheme, false information was entered into payroll documents and lists for personnel awards in the military unit.

The perpetrator obtained access to special accounting software by using an electronic key that was unjustifiably provided by the head of the financial and economic service of the battalion.

Then, the falsified data was submitted to the regional office of the State Treasury Service to disburse the ordered funds as salaries and bonuses for the military personnel and staff of the military unit.

During searches at the accountant's workplace and residence, an Audi Q7 car, valuable gadgets, and household appliances were found, all of which were purchased with the embezzled money.

Additionally, nearly 2.5 million hryvnias were found on bank cards of the accountant's acquaintances, to whom he allegedly provided money as loans. Furthermore, a military grenade launcher RGO was found on the suspect, which will be sent for examination.

Based on the gathered evidence, the military accountant was informed of suspicion under Article 191 Part 4 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (embezzlement, misappropriation, or seizure of property by abuse of official position).

Read also: SSU exposes military official in Odesa who demanded bribes for barracks repair.