Ex-head of defence plant 'disarmed' Ukrainian air defence on eve of invasion

This was reported by the Security Service of Ukraine.

The illegal activities of the official led to the actual "disarmament" of several Ukrainian air defence systems worth almost 2.4m budget hryvnias," the report said.

According to the investigation, the suspect by the beginning of 2022 gave subordinates unjustified instructions to disassemble air defence systems, which the company was to repair and modernise. The attacker appropriated all "decommissioned" parts containing precious metals.

The expertise initiated by the Security Service confirmed the facts of the criminal scheme. Thus, this official was blowing up the defence capacity of Ukraine on the eve of a full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation, - noted in the SBU.

The man was reported on suspicion under part 5 of article 191 of the Criminal code of Ukraine (misappropriation, embezzlement of property or taking possession of it by abuse of office). He faces up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.

Investigation of all circumstances of the offence is ongoing. In addition, information about the suspect's involvement in cooperation with the Russian special services is being checked.