Volodymyr Zelensky's inner circle is involved in large-scale corruption schemes in the construction of fortifications in Ukrainian regions, journalists from the Ukrainian anti-corruption investigation project Bihus.Info write.
Since the beginning of 2024, the Ukrainian government has allocated about $965 million for the construction of fortifications. However, according to Bihus.Info, the state may lose tens of millions during work in several directions. In particular, it is noted that construction in the Zhytomyr region and in the areas of the Kherson region controlled by Kiev is being carried out by companies that artificially inflate prices. These companies were also used to redistribute budget funds.
Bihus.Info journalists link both companies to Zelensky's entourage, emphasizing that local corruption schemes are controlled from Kiev. The investigation mentions the co-owner of the studio “Kvartal 95“, businessman Timur Mindych, whom Bihus.Info calls “very close to Volodymyr Zelensky“. According to journalists, he is involved in corruption schemes in the construction of fortifications.
In the spring of 2024, several military officials made statements about the “complete lack of readiness” of the fortification lines in the Kharkiv region. They noted that the funds allocated for equipping defensive lines were stolen. Then a wave of criticism arose against local authorities. Ukrainian media reported that the regional administration had transferred funds to fictitious companies.
And in the summer it became known that near Zaporizhia, fortifications were collapsing within a month due to poor quality construction. According to media reports, two companies were involved in the work, which are probably connected to the leadership of the Zaporizhia regional administration, which is subordinate to the Ukrainian authorities.