UAH 254 million in losses on drone purchases: investigation into the State Special Communications Service case completed

NABU and SAPO have completed an investigation into corruption during the procurement of drones for the Defense Forces in 2023. According to the investigation, due to abuse by officials of the State Special Communications Service and representatives of private companies, the state suffered losses of UAH 254 million.

According to the case materials, in May and September 2023, officials of the State Service for Special Communications concluded contracts for the purchase of drones with three related companies. The contracts included 400 DJI Mavic 3 drones, 500 DJI Mavic 3T, 2000 DJI Mavic 3Pro, 900 DJI Matrice M30T, and 1300 Autel Evo Max 4T.

The investigation established that the purchases were made at prices 60–90% higher than market prices. According to law enforcement, the winners were determined in advance, and to create the appearance of competitive bidding, other companies controlled by the organizers of the scheme were involved.

In particular, officials sent one of the requests for a commercial offer to the future winner before the official registration of his legal entity. The company was registered only a few days after the letter was sent.

The participants in the scheme transferred the funds received through price increases to the accounts of controlled enterprises, including abroad.

Five people were reported as suspects in the case — two officials of the State Special Communications Service and three representatives of private companies. Their actions were classified under Part 5 of Article 191 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — embezzlement of property through abuse of official position on an especially large scale.

How the scheme was revealed

In October 2025, NABU and SAPO exposed the embezzlement of UAH 90 million during the purchase of DJI Mavic 3 and Autel Evo Max 4T drones. Further investigation allowed us to establish additional episodes of alleged abuse.

In August 2026, five defendants were informed of suspicion of embezzling another UAH 164 million during the purchase of DJI Mavic 3T, DJI Mavic 3Pro, and DJI Matrice M30T drones. The total amount of losses in the case reached UAH 254 million.

As part of the proceedings, law enforcement officers also seized more than $4 million in the accounts of controlled companies abroad and another UAH 17 million in Ukraine.

It was previously reported that the People’s Deputy from the European Solidarity faction, Nina Yuzhanina, proposes to increase the share of personal income tax (PIT) from the military’s financial support , which is sent directly to military units. Instead of the 10% provided for by the government, brigades could receive 20% or 30% of these revenues. According to the deputy, this will help the military to independently provide for the urgent needs of the units.

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