Police in Ukraine have launched raids against suspects accused of embezzling state funds meant for the construction of energy infrastructure protection in the Kyiv region.
Investigators discovered luxury assets, including a Rolls-Royce and a live crocodile, during searches of properties linked to the case.
The investigation concerns the alleged misappropriation of 1.89 billion Ukrainian hryvnias (UAH) allocated for the construction of protective structures for energy facilities, according to reports by gordonua.com. Activist and former defense ministry advisor Serhiy Sternenko first publicized the findings on November 9, sharing images of a multi-level penthouse decorated with gold and marble.
According to the portal LUN, the cost of a similar apartment in this residential complex, featuring custom design, panoramic windows with views of the Dnipro, and security, can reach $1.5 million.
Alleged Misuse of 1.89 Billion UAH
The investigation focuses on two primary contractors: "Consulting-Bud," linked to former parliamentary staffer Liubomyra Kozhushko, and "U.B.S.," associated with Ihor Nesteruk, according to Explorer. Prosecutors are examining whether these companies significantly inflated the costs of metal products used in the construction, with preliminary estimates suggesting a price discrepancy of 20.8 million UAH.
Investigators are also probing a separate 167 million UAH contract for a shelter at the "Leader" lyceum in Kriukivshchyna, where "Consulting-Bud" allegedly paid 10.86 million UAH to the firm "Volt Age Plus" for construction work that was never performed. Furthermore, "Consulting-Bud" ordered materials and structures worth 323.6 million UAH from "Steel Plus," owned by Ihor Tkachenko, and "TD Tryzub," owned by Olena Malinevska.
Luxury Assets Found During Raids
The searches, which spanned Kyiv, the Kyiv region, and the Dnipropetrovsk region on October 13, 2026, resulted in the seizure of financial documents, mobile phones, and cash. 24 Channels reported that police confiscated $47,800 in cash, a Benelli Raffaello shotgun, and ownership documents for Land Rover and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles.
Sternenko described the interior of the penthouse as a "Pshonka-style" display of wealth, referring to the opulent tastes of former officials. In addition to the Rolls-Royce, photos from the scene showed a private indoor swimming pool and a terrarium housing a live crocodile.
Connections to Previous Investigations
Liubomyra Kozhushko is currently a suspect in a separate National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) investigation regarding the procurement of drones, which allegedly caused 254 million UAH in damages, Explorer noted. On October 12, the High Anti-Corruption Court increased her bail to 6.5 million UAH due to procedural violations.
Investigators also identified connections to businessman Vladyslav Sokolov. These two companies have an authorized capital of 1,000 UAH and are unofficially controlled by Sokolov, a former commercial director of the "Metallurgist" trading house who ran for the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Council in 2015 but was not elected. Materials for the energy projects were reportedly supplied by companies linked to Sokolov, such as "Steel Plus" and "TD Tryzub," which had minimal authorized capital.
Energy Protection Oversight Continues
Sternenko pointed to the role of the former head of the Kyiv Regional Military Administration, Mykola Kalashnyk, who signed the agreements.
"When the question arises next time as to how it happens that after the strike of one Shahed, electricity can disappear in half of Kyiv and the region—here is the answer," Sternenko wrote.
Earlier, on November 6, acting first deputy head of the Kyiv City State Administration Petro Panteleev told public that the city had allocated over 7 billion UAH for energy protection, though he acknowledged that this amount could not cover the total requirement for all facilities.
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The investigation has identified Liubomyra Kozhushko, the director of the contracting firm "Consulting-Bud," as a suspect, according to 24 Channels. She is also currently involved in a separate NABU case involving drone procurement.
Police discovered evidence of potential price inflation on metal products used for protective structures, with a preliminary estimated difference of 20.8 million UAH. Additionally, authorities seized luxury items, including a Rolls-Royce, a collection of high-end vehicle documents, and $47,800 in cash, as reported by 24 Channels and Explorer.
According to reporting by Serhiy Sternenko, many of the energy protection structures were either never completed or built with significant violations. Investigators are now auditing the 25 contracts, totaling 1.89 billion UAH, to determine the extent of the failure to meet state requirements.