Probe into RPG-75M Procurement Reveals Suspicions of Misconduct
Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) and the Prosecutor General's Office have launched an investigation into the purchase of 6,000 RPG-75M grenade launchers intended for the country's Armed Forces. The contract, valued at 637 million Ukrainian hryvnias (approximately $17.2 million), saw the supplier receive an advance payment of 318.5 million hryvnias (about $8.6 million). However, the military refused to accept the first batch of 3,024 units delivered in May, citing concerns over quality.
Inspections revealed that the grenade launchers were manufactured in the 1980s, not in 2024–2026 as stated in the documentation. Investigators also found evidence of re-labeling: new tags had been placed over older markings in Czech, and component parts dated back to 1986–1988. The Armed Forces' Logistics Command had warned against purchasing this type of weapon before the contract was signed, recommending alternative options. Despite this, the deal was finalized, raising red flags among law enforcement officials.
Details of the Inquiry
The investigation, led by the SBU's Main Investigative Department, is examining potential collusion between officials from the state procurement agency and the supplier, a company called Ukrainian Armored Vehicles LLC. 'The investigation is looking into a conspiracy between state procurement officials and the supplier company, without which this purchase could not have been carried out,' the Prosecutor General's Office stated. The estimated damage to the state amounts to 318.5 million hryvnias, equal to the advance payment.
This is not the first time the foreign supplier has attempted to sell these grenade launchers. A previous contract in 2022–2023 was canceled due to suspicions of selling old weapons as new. 'Back then, because an attempt was made to sell old weapons to our state under the guise of new ones, the contract was terminated. At that time, the price for the grenade launchers was nine times lower than under the current contract,' the SBU reported.
As part of the pre-trial investigation, 13 searches were conducted at the offices of the state enterprise Defense Procurement Agency, the supplier company, and the homes of individuals involved. This is part of a broader review of defense contracts that began after the scandal known as Mindichgate. Over three months of audits, 7.3 billion hryvnias have already been returned to the state budget. According to the prosecutor's office, a criminal case has been opened under Article 114-1, Part 1 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code.
This case highlights ongoing issues within Ukraine's defense procurement system, which have become especially pressing amid wartime challenges. The detected violations underscore the need for greater transparency and oversight in the acquisition of military equipment. The ongoing investigation could serve as a crucial step toward restoring trust in the country's defense institutions and preventing similar incidents in the future.
The ongoing scrutiny into military procurement practices highlights a disturbing trend in the defense sector. In a related case, a former director from the Ministry of Defense has been accused of acquiring defective mortars for a significant sum, underscoring the potential for misconduct in arms acquisitions. As investigations unfold, these revelations may indicate broader issues within military procurement processes.