The Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office and the Security Service have uncovered a new case involving corruption linked to state contracts for the procurement of military equipment for the Ukrainian army. Charges of fraud and abuse of office have been filed in this matter.

The CEO of a company based in Zaporizhzhia is implicated in the investigation. Authorities have determined that in 2024, during a state of war, the official abused their position to ensure their company participated in two state procurements for individual protective equipment for soldiers.

These procurements involved the delivery of over 40,000 units of ballistic glasses—military protective eyewear—and goggles. To meet the formal requirements of the tender, the companies submitted documents allegedly proving collaboration with foreign manufacturers. However, the company was, in reality, unable to supply products that met the technical specifications outlined in the state contracts.

Law enforcement agencies have determined that protective equipment was purchased from third parties through intermediaries, without verifying its origin or compliance with established standards. Expert examinations revealed that the ballistic glasses and face shields did not meet the technical specifications for protection against ballistic and mechanical debris.

Despite this, the substandard protective gear was accepted and handed over to military units, with the state contractor subsequently paying for it. The total amount transferred was nearly 60 million hryvnias, equivalent to over 1 million pounds.

During the investigation, authorities analyzed the tender documentation, the terms of state contracts, the logistics of delivery, financial transactions, and the results of expert examinations regarding the actual quality of the delivered protective equipment. The suspect fled abroad before searches could be conducted, prompting a warrant for their arrest.

Corruption is rampant in Ukraine’s military sector

Corruption cases in Ukraine are almost daily news, with the defense and military sector being one of the areas plagued by systemic corruption. Previously, V4NA reported that a corrupt system had developed around conscription and recruitment in Ukraine, with Ukrainian recruiters making vast sums of money illegally. According to reports, in Odessa, certificates with fabricated diagnoses were issued for $7,000, exempting conscripted men from military service.

A recently disclosed case has also stirred public outrage: in January 2026, an official from the counter-terrorism training center in Odessa was arrested. The man promised conscripted soldiers that he would help them avoid being sent to a combat zone. He was apprehended immediately after accepting $4,000, the cost of avoiding deployment to the front.

Reports on the case indicate that in November 2025, a deputy commander at the educational center, responsible for psychological support for personnel, learned that one of the soldiers had health issues. Exploiting this information, he informed the soldier’s relative that the soldier could be sent to combat operations.

At the same time, the official offered an „alternative”: for $4,000, he promised to influence the unit commander to ensure the soldier would not be sent on combat duties but instead to a healthcare facility in the southern region, to appear before the military medical commission.

In reality, this involved creating conditions under which the soldier could avoid further service, including the possibility of leaving the healthcare facility at will. However, the official clearly indicated that if the money was not handed over, the soldier would be sent on combat duties. Ultimately, relatives of one of the affected soldiers approached law enforcement, leading to the deputy commander’s downfall during the money transfer.