Former head of Ukrspetsexport suspected of large-scale embezzlement

Former head of "Ukrspetsexport" suspected of large-scale embezzlement: NABU demands extradition

Financial fraud worth tens of millions of dollars and elite real estate in France

Former head of the state defence enterprise "Ukrspetsexport" Dmytro Perehudov has found himself at the centre of a major corruption scandal. The investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) has established that he is implicated in the illegal siphoning of over 46 million dollars in state funds through fictitious agency agreements.

Appointment and flight abroad

In 2012, Perehudov was appointed head of the state concern "Ukroboronprom" by decree of Viktor Yanukovych. Prior to this, he had led "Ukrspetsexport", one of Ukraine's key special exporters of weapons.

However, as early as 2016, after leaving his post, he flew from Ukraine to Paris, taking a Kyiv–Paris flight. It later emerged that he not only left the country but also actively invested in elite real estate in France.

Dubious contracts with Iraq and fictitious payments

During his tenure at "Ukrspetsexport", Perehudov oversaw multi-million-dollar defence contracts concluded with the Ministry of Defence of Iraq through the specialised foreign trade firm "Progress". These included:

• Repair of a Mi-8T helicopter – $3.6 million
• Supply of six An-32B aircraft – $99 million
• Purchase of 420 BTR-4 armoured personnel carriers – $457.5 million

However, according to the investigation, under the guise of "consulting services" for these contracts, fictitious agency agreements were signed with the companies Mirage Sarl, Paragon Impex Ltd and Lionel Europe Corporation.

Siphoning funds through offshore companies

Perehudov and his accomplices used the signed contracts and acts of completed work to transfer $23.49 million in budget funds to the accounts of these companies. Meanwhile, the foreign firms provided no real services whatsoever.

The total amount of suspicious financial operations identified by NABU exceeds $46 million. Of this sum, €13 million was siphoned through a network of transit firms and credited to the personal accounts of the former official.

Elite real estate in France and asset seizure

With the money obtained through criminal means, Perehudov purchased luxury real estate in France:

• A villa worth 86 million hryvnia
• A winery, corporate rights and 105 land plots – 229 million hryvnia
• An additional 27 vineyard plots – 37 million hryvnia

French authorities have already seized the assets of the suspect.

NABU seeks extradition

Ukrainian law enforcement agencies intend to secure the extradition of Dmytro Perehudov to bring him to criminal justice