NABU and SAP Charge MP Bondar Over UZ Embezzlement Scheme

On January 17, 2025, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office reported suspicions to People's Deputy Viktor Bondar of co-organizing the appropriation of funds of JSC Ukrzaliznytsia during the purchase of cable and wire products.

On the instructions of the head of the SAPO, the prosecutor, with the participation of NABU detectives, reported the suspicion to the current People's Deputy of Ukraine, whom the investigation considers one of the organizers of the appropriation of Ukrzaliznytsia funds during the purchase of cable and wire products. The actions of the People's Deputy were qualified under Part 3 of Article 27, Part 5 of Article 191 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine

According to NABU, the suspect, People's Deputy Bondar, and businessman Volodymyr Kotlyar, developed a scheme that involved supplying UZ products at inflated prices. To do this, they entered into a conspiracy with members of an organized group that was a kind of "back office" of the company, informally controlled its activities, and for a certain percentage of the procurement amount could ensure the victory of the "right" companies in UZ tenders.

During 2021-2022, UZ concluded contracts with companies controlled by the entrepreneur, which supplied products at prices above market prices. As a result of the scheme, Ukrzaliznytsia suffered losses in the amount of more than UAH 140 million. 8 individuals were reported as suspects in the case.

We also previously wrote that the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office have exposed an organized group involved in seizing electricity from the Unified Energy System (UES) and legalizing funds from its sale. According to media reports, the organizer is considered to be the former deputy chairman and ex-deputy of the Kharkiv Regional Council, Volodymyr Skorobagach, who is currently abroad.

In addition, the Appellate Chamber of the High Anti-Corruption Court recently remanded in custody the director of the private company UZelectro, Natalia Koltysheva, whom the NABU and the SAPO suspect of involvement in a scheme to embezzle UAH 94.8 million during the purchase of transformers by JSC Ukrzaliznytsia during martial law.