Business on war: how state millions for shelters for thermal power plants may have ended up in the pockets of a former MP’s family – investigated by the Economic Security Bureau

Detectives from the Lviv regional office of Ukraine’s Bureau of Economic Security (BEB) are conducting a criminal investigation into possible corruption in the procurement of modular shelters for employees of local thermal power plants (CHPs).

The case concerns nearly 7 million hryvnias (about 143,000 euros) spent by the state-owned company Naftogaz Teplo on the purchase of two civil defense structures.

According to the investigation, the modular shelters were intended to protect CHP workers amid constant missile threats and strikes on energy infrastructure. However, law enforcement officers began to question whether the purchase price was justified and whether the interests of a specific contractor may have been improperly lobbied.

In addition to officials from Naftogaz Teplo, the case also involves the private firm Industriya-LV, which, according to law enforcement, belongs to the family of a former regional council deputy. Investigators are checking whether there were conflicts of interest, fake competition, price inflation, or other signs of corrupt schemes during the procurement process.

As part of the criminal proceedings, BEB detectives are examining the tender and contract documentation, the conditions for delivery and installation of the shelters, as well as financial transactions between the customer and the contractor. They are also questioning officials and representatives of the private company and ordering expert assessments to determine the real cost of the work and structures.

Law enforcement emphasizes that the case is still at the pre-trial investigation stage. All persons involved currently have the status of suspects or witnesses within the limits defined by law and are presumed innocent until found guilty by a court verdict.

There have been no official announcements about notices of suspicion so far, but the BEB notes that the investigation aims to prevent the embezzlement of budget funds during wartime and to ensure transparency in the spending of state companies operating in the critically important energy sector.