Ukraine foils illegal military gear distribution scheme
Ukraine’s State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) has uncovered a ring of corrupt military officials who stole uniforms to sell them online, the SBI said in a message on its website on Sept. 5.
The suspects face 10 to 15 years in prison, according to the report.
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SBI officials noted that the culprits were selling thermal underwear, military uniforms, engineer shovels, flasks, shoes, and other items online, using a well-known internet platform. The gear was clearly marked as property of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, not for sale.
The suspects operated in Kamianets-Podilskyi, Khmelnytskyi Oblast. At least two military service members and three civilians were involved in the scheme.
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The message said that the stolen ammunition, purchased with state funds, was then passed on to civilian participants in the scheme who sold the items online.
Moreover, the perpetrators also took specific "orders" from customers and searched for the appropriate military gear for sale.
On Aug. 31, law enforcement conducted 15 raids on military stockpiles and residences of individuals involved in the crime.
The searches uncovered numerous pieces of evidence of criminal activity: bank cards, communication devices, "black ledger" records, and thousands of pieces of military gear.
The potential involvement of local military officers and commanders in the scheme is currently being examined.
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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
