Defective machine guns for the front

Defective machine guns for the front: former Ministry of Defence official and two heads of a state enterprise under suspicion

Weapon supply to the front
In 2022, in the midst of military operations, a former official of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, together with two heads of a state enterprise, was supposed to supply the front with 400 heavy-calibre machine guns. 

However, instead of quality weaponry, combat units received low-quality analogues that proved unfit for carrying out combat tasks.

The essence of the scheme

Supply scheme
Instead of fulfilling their obligations in full, the suspects supplied only half of the declared amount of weapons. Moreover, all the delivered products did not meet the stated standards, being cheap analogues incapable of ensuring reliability in combat conditions.

Consequences for the army
Such non-compliance with standards and supply volumes not only undermined trust in suppliers but also created additional threats for the military, who relied on reliable weaponry.

Legal actions

Charges
The suspects have been charged with fraud and abuse of office. According to law enforcement agencies, their actions could have jeopardised the fulfilment of combat tasks on the front line.

Punishment
Under Ukrainian legislation, such crimes carry a penalty of up to 15 years of imprisonment.