Photo: t.me/SBUkr
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has exposed the Logistics Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force and the head of the SBU Directorate in Zhytomyr region over alleged corruption in the construction of aircraft shelters.
The SBU announced this in a statement on Telegram, while law enforcement sources confirmed the details. According to sources cited by RBC-Ukraine, the individuals involved are Colonel Andrii Ukrainets, Logistics Commander of the Air Force Command, and Colonel Volodymyr Kompanychenko, head of the SBU Directorate in Zhytomyr region.
According to case materials, UAH 1.4 billion was allocated in May last year for the construction of modular arched structures intended to protect military aircraft. During inspections, investigators reportedly uncovered serious violations: the projects allegedly failed to meet safety standards, the structures did not provide adequate protection for aviation assets, and the cost of works was significantly inflated.
To conceal the embezzlement of budget funds and halt inspections, the logistics commander allegedly approached the regional SBU chief seeking assistance in bribing military counterintelligence leadership. The latter reportedly agreed and acted as a “guarantor” of the arrangement.
Investigators say the officials planned to transfer approximately UAH 13 million to avoid liability and cover up the misuse of state funds. They also intended to involve “loyal” auditors who would prepare fictitious reports confirming the quality of construction work. On February 25, the suspects were detained while allegedly attempting to hand over a $320,000 bribe.
Ukrainets and Kompanychenko are expected to be formally charged under Article 369 (offering, promising, or giving an undue benefit to a public official) and Article 426-1 (abuse of authority by a military official) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, committed by prior conspiracy of a group of persons. They face a potential prison sentence of eight to twelve years.
Air Force response
The Ukrainian Air Force Command responded to the detentions, stating it is ready to cooperate fully with investigative authorities to establish all circumstances of the case.
“All officials involved in possible unlawful actions must be held accountable in accordance with Ukrainian law if their guilt is proven,” the statement said.
The Air Force also launched an internal investigation to determine the causes and conditions that may have led to the alleged offense.
Other corruption cases involving the armed forces
Earlier, the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) uncovered a corruption scheme related to food supplies for the Armed Forces in Dnipropetrovsk region, involving spoiled produce and kickbacks.
Law enforcement agencies also exposed a criminal organization in a military unit in Donetsk region that allegedly embezzled over UAH 47 million allocated for drone procurement.
In addition, the SBI detained the head of the financial and economic service of a brigade operating in the Zaporizhzhia sector for allegedly misappropriating funds intended for military payments.
