The State Bureau of Investigations in Ukraine has initiated an inquiry into the procurement of 1,730 sets of substandard protective equipment by the emergency services in Khmelnytskyi, amounting to over 14 million UAH.
According to the investigation, the procurement commission for defense supplies was allegedly manipulated to serve as a facade for a fraudulent scheme. In 2022, officials arranged the purchase of chemical protection suits, which included a suit, gloves, boots, and a carrying case. To favor a specific supplier, they created an illusion of competition by presenting three price offers, two of which were found to be fictitious.
Following the signing of the contract, more than 14 million UAH was disbursed from the budget. Expert evaluations revealed that the received equipment did not meet technical specifications, exhibiting unreliable seams, and some items lacked protective glass. The gear has been deemed unsuitable for use and remains stored in warehouses.
Anton Koval, head of the Khmelnytskyi regional prosecutor’s office, stated, “These sets have never been used and remain an unnecessary purchase. This not only represents a misappropriation of budget funds but also raises concerns regarding the safety of personnel during emergency response operations.”
Authorities are currently considering measures to impose preventive sanctions and remove the involved officials from their positions. The head of the emergency services unit and his deputy are suspected of abusing their official positions in collusion with others, leading to severe consequences under Ukrainian criminal law.
An investigation is underway regarding the procurement of defective protective gear by emergency services in Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine. Officials are suspected of manipulating the procurement process, resulting in significant financial loss and safety concerns.
Source: Державне бюро розслідувань