The State Service for Special Communications overpaid 90 million hryvnias for drones: NABU reported suspicions

The State Service for Special Communications overpaid 90 million hryvnias for drones: NABU reported suspicions

NABU and SAPO uncovered a scheme devised by the head of one of the departments of the State Service of Special Communications. According to this scheme, the agency purchased drones at inflated prices from pre-selected companies, reported law enforcement.

"According to the investigation, after amendments to the State Budget in 2023, the State Service of Special Communications was allocated 30 billion UAH for the purchase of UAVs. The head of one of the agency’s departments devised a plan to embezzle part of these funds," the statement reads.

It is noted that to ensure the victory of pre-selected companies in tenders, controlled firms were involved to simulate competition, along with distorted marketing research.

Under the scheme, the State Service of Special Communications purchased 400 DJI Mavic 3 drones and 1,300 Autel Evo Max 4T drones at prices 70-90% higher than market value. The losses to the state amounted to over 90 million UAH, which the participants of the scheme transferred to the accounts of controlled companies, including abroad.

It is reported that law enforcement managed to seize over 4 million USD abroad and 17 million UAH in Ukraine.

"Two officials of the State Service of Special Communications and two representatives of private companies have been notified of suspicion of embezzlement of funds on an especially large scale," NABU reported.