Fraud in TPP repairs: SSU exposes Centrenergo official who bought used pipes for over 10 million

Fraud in TPP repairs: SSU exposes Centrenergo official who bought used pipes for over 10 million

The Security Service reported that it had uncovered a scheme to embezzle funds from PJSC “Centrenergo”, allocated by the state for the uninterrupted functioning of the energy infrastructure of Kyiv and Kharkiv regions.

According to the case materials, the matter concerns the theft of more than 10 million hryvnias during the procurement of materials for the repair of the Trypilska and Zmiivska thermal power plants. The head of one of the departments of PJSC “Centrenergo” and two owners of affiliated private supplier companies are suspected of organizing the scheme.

Photo: SSU

Detention of suspects

It is noted that to implement the scheme, the official concluded a contract with contractors for the supply of pipes for work at the energy facilities. However, instead of the new products manufactured in 2024–2025, as required by the tender procedures, old, substandard pipes that had been stored in an open warehouse were purchased.

To conceal the actual year of manufacture and origin of the goods, false markings were applied to them and they were “presented” as new. The “saved” funds, it is suspected, were divided among the perpetrators. In addition to multi-million losses, the use of outdated materials could have jeopardized the stable operation of Ukraine’s key thermal power plants, especially during preparations for the new heating season.

Comprehensive examinations initiated by the Security Service confirmed that the quality of the supplied pipes did not meet the requirements of the state standard, resulting in losses to PJSC “Centrenergo” amounting to UAH 10.4 million.

Photo: SSU

Old pipes for energy facilities

During searches at the suspects’ workplaces and residences, as well as in their vehicles, mobile phones, computer equipment, and documentation containing evidence of the criminal scheme were seized.

All three suspects have now been notified of suspicion under several articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine:

• part 5 of article 191 (misappropriation, embezzlement of property or obtaining it by abuse of official position, committed on an especially large scale or by an organized group);
• part 1 of article 358 (forgery of documents, seals, stamps and forms, as well as the use of forged documents, seals, stamps);
• part 2 of article 364 (abuse of power or official position).

The pre-trial investigation is ongoing to bring to justice all persons involved in the illegal activity. The suspects face up to 12 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property.