Recent revelations in the investigation surrounding the so-called “Mindyich body armor” have contradicted statements made by the head of the parliamentary Temporary Investigative Commission, Yaroslav Zheleznyak. Contrary to claims that the body armor was sold to third parties, evidence indicates that the equipment remains in Ukraine.
During a recent broadcast, Zheleznyak asserted that the individuals involved had sold the body armor, labeling it as a “proven fact.” However, an investigative report has found these assertions to be inaccurate.
The batch of protective gear, comprising 5,000 units valued at $2.2 million, is currently stored in a warehouse located on the Left Bank of Kyiv. The journalist involved in the investigation provided photographic evidence from the warehouse, including images of the body armor.
Journalists located the “sold” body armor in Kyiv (photo: facebook.com/gleb.i.gusev)
Several factors contribute to the impossibility of legally selling this body armor. Firstly, special markings on all protective components (plates, ballistic packages, and covers) indicate that they are the property of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and are not for sale.
Markings on the body armor that were claimed to be “sold” (photo: facebook.com/gleb.i.gusev)
Secondly, there is currently a ban on re-exporting military products. Returning the equipment to the supplier in Israel is not feasible, as this would fall under the definition of military export, which is presently prohibited.
Lastly, the absence of necessary licenses complicates matters. The intermediary company does not possess the rights to modify the product, holding only a sales license and not one for manufacturing.
In previous statements, businessman Timur Mindyich, who is implicated in the NABU investigation, expressed his willingness to return to Ukraine if offered a fair bail arrangement. He has denied involvement in any corruption related to the body armor.
Additionally, Dmitry Stetsenko, the operational director of “Milkon UA,” addressed media reports regarding the alleged “substandard body armor” and its potential influence on decisions made by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov during procurement processes. According to the investigation, Mindyich allegedly attempted to facilitate the acceptance of body armor that had not passed quality control by the State Logistics Operator.
Stetsenko refuted this narrative, stating he has no acquaintance with Mindyich and clarified that “Milkon UA” acted as the official distributor for the Israeli company Masada Armor, assisting in the entry of the foreign manufacturer into the Ukrainian defense market.
The investigation into the 'Mindyich body armor' case reveals discrepancies between official claims and actual findings, indicating the equipment remains in Ukraine and is unsellable due to legal restrictions. The case continues to unfold amid allegations of corruption and quality control failures.