Audit Reveals Misuse of Funds by Kyivavtodor
Ukraine's State Audit Service has uncovered serious violations at the municipal corporation Kyivavtodor. The agency made unjustified payments totaling 76 million Ukrainian hryvnias to contractors for planting exotic plants, diverting funds that should have been used to repair hazardous infrastructure. The audit, led by State Audit Service head Alla Basalayeva, documented illegal reimbursements for logistics costs that contractors were supposed to cover themselves.
Kyivavtodor also took on mass landscaping duties that fall under the responsibility of Kyivzelenbud. When asked to accept the plants onto its balance sheet, Kyivzelenbud refused due to improper planting and maintenance.
Alla Basalayeva stated: 'The road corporation groundlessly paid contractors 76 million hryvnias for this work! They planted various exotic species. Moreover, when Kyivzelenbud was asked to take these plants onto its balance sheet, it refused because they were improperly planted and cared for.'
She further emphasized that with the capital's key transport hubs—especially its bridges—in critical condition, spending tens of millions on lawns represents an 'inefficient and ill-considered decision.'
Investigations and Consequences
In February 2025, investigative actions took place at Kyivavtodor's premises, focusing on procurement of materials for winter road maintenance during 2024-2025. These actions included searches not only at Kyivavtodor but also at individual enterprises and the Department of Transport Infrastructure of the Kyiv City State Administration. The audit's findings could lead to criminal cases against officials. Kyivavtodor, for its part, insisted that all procurements followed public procurement procedures.
The detected violations point to serious problems in managing budget funds and fulfilling state contracts. The ongoing investigations may trigger major changes within Kyivavtodor's structure and impact its future operations. At a time when the capital urgently needs infrastructure repairs, such cases raise serious doubts about the effective use of public resources.
The recent audit findings at Kyivavtodor highlight a troubling pattern of financial mismanagement in the city's infrastructure projects. This issue is not isolated, as evidenced by another case where a Kyiv road bridge official is facing charges related to a substantial overpayment. Such incidents underscore the urgent need for accountability in public spending. To learn more about this ongoing investigation and its implications for the city's infrastructure, see the details in our report on the overpayment case involving a Kyiv bridge official.