NABU concludes investigation into 254 million UAH drone procurement for AFU

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP) have completed the pre-trial investigation in a criminal case. According to the investigation, during the procurement of 5,100 unmanned aerial vehicles for the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 2023, 254 million hryvnias were allegedly misappropriated.

Who is involved in the case

Several individuals have been granted the procedural status of suspects, including representatives of a state body and the private sector. Among them are Volodymyr Mokrenko, head of the support department of Derzhspetszv'yazok, and Vadym Borsuk, an official of the service. Three entrepreneurs are also being held accountable: Yuri Volian, Serhiy Horbatiuk, and Liubomyr Kozhushko.

Price inflation scheme

According to the investigation, DJI and Autel brand drones were purchased through three affiliated companies at prices inflated by 60–90%. Meanwhile, the controlled firms allegedly created a false appearance of competition during the procurement process.

Asset seizure and fund transfer

Law enforcement agencies also believe that part of the funds received was transferred abroad. As part of the investigation, a seizure was imposed on assets totalling over 4 million US dollars held in foreign bank accounts, as well as 17 million hryvnias located in Ukraine.

Next steps

The completion of the pre-trial investigation means that the prosecution has compiled a full package of materials for the transfer of the case to court. However, it should be noted that all the circumstances outlined are the working version of the investigation, and the criminal liability of the suspects will be determined only after the adoption of the relevant court decision.