The Security Service of Ukraine and investigators from the National Police have exposed a significant fuel theft scheme from Ukraine's gas transportation system.

According to the investigation, from February to June 2023, the individuals involved stole gas worth 251 million 174 thousand hryvnias.

The investigation revealed that a former head of a private gas supply company was implicated in the organization of the scheme.

At the beginning of the full-scale war, this commercial entity was purchasing gas from a state supplier to cover its production losses.

However, in early 2023, the state enterprise terminated its contract with the private company due to its debt for the purchased gas.

Instead of settling their debts, the perpetrators illegally extracted gas from the state pipeline.

To justify their actions, they claimed «exceptional circumstances» while continuing to extract natural gas for their company's needs, sharing the profits among themselves.

As a result, the participants in the scheme illegally extracted over 10.5 million cubic meters of natural gas from the state system.

During searches at the suspect's residence, documentation, phones, and computer equipment containing evidence of the scheme were found.

Currently, the former head of the private company has been notified of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 364-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

He faces up to 6 years in prison. The investigation is ongoing to hold all participants accountable.