Ex-defense official suspected of supplying faulty machine guns to Ukrainian military

The investigation revealed that in 2022, the officials were supposed to deliver 400 certified machine guns to the frontline. Instead, they organized a scheme to supply low-quality analogs unfit for use. Only 200 out of the planned 400 machine guns were delivered, and even those did not meet the required standards.

The machine guns lacked markings, technical documentation, or other accompanying papers. During combat use, these weapons could not sustain continuous fire and malfunctioned after the first shots due to broken parts and mechanisms.

According to the investigation, these actions caused over 193 million hryvnias ($4.56 million) in damages to the state budget and posed a threat to Ukrainian military personnel.

The former defense official is suspected of misappropriation of property on a large scale and obstruction of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' operations, leading to severe consequences. The charges fall under Articles 191 and 114-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

Previously, this official was accused of embezzling approximately 1.5 billion hryvnias ($35.45 million) during the procurement of ammunition for the Armed Forces. The investigation into this case is ongoing.

Additionally, two managers of the state enterprise have been charged with similar crimes and forgery in office. Under these articles, the suspects face up to 15 years in prison. Authorities are currently working on their detention.