**Former Kharkiv Deputy Mayor Charged with Embezzling Defense Funds**
A former official in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv has been charged with embezzling millions of hryvnias (Ukrainian currency) meant for military fortifications. The news comes amidst a series of corruption scandals that have rocked Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion began.
According to law enforcement, four people – including two company heads and two entrepreneurs – were arrested alongside the former deputy mayor in connection with the alleged scheme. The investigation revealed that a shell company was used to purchase materials for fortifications at inflated prices, costing taxpayers 5.4 million hryvnias (approximately $130,000).
While authorities have not publicly named the former official involved, sources close to the case have identified him as Andrii Rudenko, who served as Kharkiv’s Deputy Mayor for Housing and Communal Services from 2015 to 2024.
The five suspects are currently facing charges under 17 articles of Ukraine’s Criminal Code. Prosecutors are seeking pre-trial detention without bail, with the maximum sentence not immediately clear.
This latest scandal highlights concerns about corruption within Ukraine’s military and public institutions. In April, authorities arrested eight individuals – including local officials and entrepreneurs – for allegedly colluding to supply firewood to the military at prices significantly above market value.
The situation raises questions about accountability and the need for transparency in government contracting. As Ukraine continues to grapple with the consequences of war, addressing corruption is crucial to maintaining public trust and ensuring that resources are used effectively to support national defense efforts.
In a statement, Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko emphasized the importance of recovering stolen funds: “The money embezzled from the state budget must be fully returned.”
This case serves as a reminder that fighting corruption is an ongoing challenge for Ukraine. As the country navigates its recovery and reconstruction process, prioritizing accountability and good governance will be essential to building trust with citizens and ensuring effective resource allocation.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
