In Kharkiv, a former official is suspected of stealing over 5 million hryvnias allocated for strengthening defensive structures
Law enforcement agencies have uncovered the depth of a corruption scheme that could have caused the state more than 5 million hryvnias in damages. According to investigators, a former high-ranking official of the Kharkiv City Council, whose name has not been officially disclosed, organized a large-scale scheme to embezzle public funds allocated for fortification works. This occurred as part of a broad anti-corruption effort and crackdown on abuses at military facilities intended to ensure national security. According to information shared on June 28 by the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine and the National Police, the investigation established that the ex-official created a criminal group in collaboration with four managers of contracting organizations. The accomplices arranged a scheme involving fictitious procurement of equipment and materials for constructing fortifications, artificially inflating the prices by over 30% above market value. As a result, through manipulations with pricing and the registration of forged documents, a significant amount of funds—exceeding 5 million hryvnias, belonging to the state—were diverted. Journalists from "Ukrainian Pravda" clarify that among the persons involved in this case is Andriy Rudenko, who held the position of Deputy Mayor of Kharkiv responsible for housing and communal services from 2015 to 2024. According to sources, he was the initiator and organizer of the scheme, working in cooperation with the director of the contracting firm and two private entrepreneurs, as well as with “fronts”—fictitious companies created to legitimize illegal operations. The Office of the Prosecutor General notes that this group operated under the guise of efforts to strengthen the country's defense infrastructure but, in reality, exploited the situation to enrich themselves at the expense of public funds. Their actions caused damages to the state totaling no less than 5.4 million hryvnias. During the investigative searches conducted in Kharkiv and the surrounding region, financial documentation, electronic storage devices, and computer equipment were seized, which may contain additional evidence of illegal activity. The suspect, a former official, has been formally charged under several articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine: creating a criminal organization (Part 1 of Article 255), embezzlement and misappropriation of state property (Parts 3 and 4 of Article 191), and official forgery (Part 1 of Article 366). His accomplices are also charged with participation in this corruption scheme under the same articles. Current information indicates that the investigation is ongoing, with one episode already documented in the case, but law enforcement does not exclude the possibility of uncovering new facts. The Office of the Prosecutor General has filed a motion with the court to remand all suspects in custody without bail, emphasizing the seriousness of the crimes and the need for preventive measures. This decision aims to keep the accused within the legal framework to prevent further abuses and evade responsibility. In the context of this case, it is important to note that Ukraine has long struggled with poorly constructed fortifications, which impact the country’s ability to defend its territory. Experts from analytical centers like ZN.UA have already warned that due to the deficiencies of engineering structures, Ukraine is losing control over certain areas. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov has spoken about the need to change approaches to constructing fortifications, emphasizing a shift toward more modern and effective methods. It is evident that corruption schemes in the defense sector not only drain public resources but also threaten national security. Recently, analysts from DeepState referred to the fortification structures in Sumy region as a “gift to occupying forces,” highlighting their poor quality and deficiencies. Military radio engineer Yuriy Kasyanov, who specializes in aerial reconnaissance, has analyzed the root causes of this situation in his publications and suggested ways to address it. The investigation into this case continues, and law enforcement officials do not rule out the involvement of new suspects or the discovery of additional episodes, further underscoring the scale of corruption schemes in Ukraine’s defense sector.