NABU detectives expose UAH 1.4 bln gas theft scheme in Lviv region
"Detectives of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau detained in Lviv four employees of LLC Energia-Novy Rozdil, LLC Energia-Novoyavorivsk and LLC Energia on suspicion of taking possession of over 300 million cubic meters of natural gas from NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine estimated to be worth UAH 1.4 billion," the statement reads.
The NABU added that the employees were arrested during the searches conducted at the offices and residential premises of these companies.
According to the investigation, during 2013-2015, the companies owning the Novoyarivsk and Novy Rozdil thermal power plants in Lviv region concluded a number of contracts on the purchase of natural gas from NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine for production of heat energy for households, which was supplied by Naftogaz to commercial thermal power plants at prices substantially lower than market prices.
However, according to NABU detectives, the Novoyavorivsk and Novy Rozdil thermal power plants received more than 300 million cubic meters of natural gas "at a reduced price" illegally, without planning to use it for the needs of households. Instead, according to investigators, they used this natural gas in their own business to produce electricity that was then sold to the Energorynok state enterprise at a tariff based on the price of electricity produced from natural gas bought at a market price.
As a result, the profitability of electricity generation by these thermal power plants exceeded 60% against 3-5% laid down in the tariff by the National Commission for Energy, Housing and Utilities Regulation. NABU detectives believe that the thermal power plants received extra profits comparable to the losses incurred by Naftogaz of Ukraine as a result of this scheme.
The report notes that NABU detectives started investigating these facts in December 2016 based on the information from the National Commission for Energy, Housing and Utilities Regulation and the media.
The detainees were informed about the suspicion of committing a crime qualified under Part 5, Article 91, Part 3, Article 28, Part 2, Article 366, and Part 3, Article 209 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The issue of imposing measures of restraint for them is being considered.
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