SBI uncovers scheme of fictitious protection from mobilisation and scrap metal sales at SBU Special Construction Directorate

Detectives of the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) uncovered a scheme of abuses at the state enterprise “SBU Special Construction Directorate”. The criminal case, registered under number 42026000000000670, concerns both the illegal sale of scrap metal and the organisation of fictitious employment of citizens to obtain protection from mobilisation.

Abuses during building demolition

The investigation began with a check of facts regarding the illegal sale of scrap metal. Since March 2026, SE “SBU Special Construction Directorate” has been in the process of liquidation. Buildings on the enterprise’s territory near Dnipro in Kyiv are being demolished, as residential buildings are planned to be constructed on their sites. The scrap metal obtained as a result of demolition work was sold by the enterprise’s employees to a representative of the company “Fishtorg”.

From May this year, the chief mechanic, and later the acting director of the SE, agreed with the entrepreneur to underreport the weight of the scrap in the documents. The difference between the actual and stated weight was received by the management in cash. Soon, the scheme was extended to include the transfer of compressor tanks for amounts ranging from 20,000 to 50,000 hryvnias.

At the time of detention, the “Fishtorg” representative was already cooperating with law enforcement agencies and recording all agreements with the enterprise’s management. In July, the acting director and the chief mechanic were detained during the transfer of funds. Both suspects were charged with bribery. The Pechersk District Court of Kyiv set bail for each of them in the amount of 183,000 hryvnias, after which they were released.

Fictitious protection scheme

During the search and examination of the SE director’s mobile phone, SBI investigators found additional evidence of criminal activity. The device contained correspondence indicating the fictitious employment of men at the enterprise, presumably for a financial reward, with the aim of obtaining protection from mobilisation.

The acting director contacted three individuals regarding their “formal employment”. After establishing employment relations, the enterprise sent lists of employees eligible for protection to the Territorial Centre for Recruitment and Social Support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. According to the investigation, a secretary participated in this process.

SE “SBU Special Construction Directorate” has legally existed since 2002 and is fully subordinate to the Security Service of Ukraine. Formally, the enterprise was created for the construction of housing for SBU employees and the maintenance of its facilities.