As part of an ongoing investigation into the supply of low-quality engineering ammunition to the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has unveiled new findings regarding criminal activities of a private firm. According to the [official SBI report](https://dbr.gov.ua/news/ponad-21-mln-grn-nesplachenih-podatkiv-ta-neyakisni-vibuhovi-pristroi-dbr-povidomilo-pro-novi-pidozri-u-spravi-postachannya-min-dlya-minoboroni), the company’s management not only provided substandard explosive devices but also orchestrated a tax evasion scheme, causing over 21 million UAH in losses to the state budget.
The investigation revealed that the company director employed forged documents to misrepresent imported components for explosives. By manipulating customs declarations, the suspects avoided paying mandatory VAT. This criminal network relied on the complicity of three customs officials who failed to perform their duties, allowing the goods to pass through without proper taxation. These officials have now been formally charged with official negligence.
The director faces charges under Part 3 of Article 212 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which covers tax evasion on an especially large scale. The SBI is currently preparing motions for custodial measures for all suspects involved. The case is being handled under the procedural supervision of the Office of the Prosecutor General.
This incident is yet another reminder of the systemic challenges in Ukraine’s defense procurement sector. While the state strives to modernize the armed forces, corruption schemes involving food supplies and ammunition remain a significant obstacle. Such actions directly undermine the security of soldiers on the front lines. The SBI continues to identify all individuals involved in these illicit schemes, underscoring the government’s intent to prosecute corruption during wartime with maximum severity. Factage Ukraine remains committed to reporting on the progress of this investigation and the pursuit of justice for those who treat national security as a source of illicit profit.