Ukraine Officer Accused of Selling Drones for Lexus
An officer in the Odessa region allegedly stole military drones, sold equipment below market value, bought a Lexus and gambled away part of the money.
A military unit officer in the Odessa region is suspected of stealing reconnaissance drones and anti-drone equipment, then selling or pawning the hardware, according to Ukraine’s State Bureau of Investigation.
The serviceman headed a unit responsible for unmanned aviation systems and equipment designed to counter aerial vehicles. Investigators believe he used his position to take military property and sell the stolen drones and specialized systems at prices below their market value.
The suspect allegedly spent part of the proceeds on a Lexus worth $27,000. The State Bureau of Investigation also claims he lost another portion of the money through gambling.
The officer has been removed from his post and placed in custody. He faces charges of stealing military property through abuse of office under martial law, misappropriation and embezzlement, and laundering property obtained through criminal activity.
The charges carry a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.