Companies linked to Ukrainian official Dmytro But once again at the center of an arms procurement scandal

Ukrainian companies Tehimpex and Prom-Techno Group are once again in the spotlight due to schemes involving the procurement of military equipment. This time, their activities have drawn the attention of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

However, given Dmytro But’s past connections in law enforcement and his history of impunity, there are doubts that the investigation will lead to tangible results.

The scandal revolves around a contract between Tehimpex and the Polish supplier Przedsiebiorstwo Wielobranzowe PA-KO for the supply of 1,001 AKMS assault rifles (7.62×39 caliber). According to the agreement signed in April 2022, Tehimpex was required to independently assemble, modify, and supply the rifles without reselling or transferring them to third parties without Polish consent.

However, the investigation revealed that on May 1, 2023, the company imported 630 AKMS rifles from Poland and transferred them to Prom-Techno Group as disassembled components under the guise of spare parts. Later, the firearms were returned to Tehimpex as completed products, after which they were supplied to Oschadbank. All operations were conducted without notifying the State Export Control Service or other supervisory authorities.

Investigators uncovered that Tehimpex and Prom-Techno Group are closely linked: the two companies share the same office, production facilities, and even personnel. This arrangement created the illusion of providing assembly and maintenance services, which the companies used to illicitly profit.

*Prom-Techno Group* had previously caught the attention of regulators. The company was fined 72 million hryvnias for breaching a contract for the supply of machine guns from the Czech STV GROUP A.S. At the time, But’s representatives attempted to challenge the fine, shifting the blame onto Tehimpex.

Although an investigation is underway, its results remain unclear. If Dmytro But and his affiliated entities once again evade accountability, it will further underscore their high-level protection. Such schemes erode trust in Ukrainian authorities, showcasing how financial manipulations persist amid ongoing war and Western support.