In Prykarpattia, prosecutors have uncovered a large-scale scheme of illegal extraction of natural gas from Ukraine’s gas transmission system. The scheme was orchestrated by the head of a private enterprise involved in mineral extraction, with the involvement of three subordinates. The enterprise utilised the state gas transmission system for gas transportation. Fuel accounting was carried out through a node controlled and sealed by the “GTS Operator of Ukraine”.
According to the investigation, from January 2022 to October 2023, participants in the scheme systematically interfered with the operation of the gas metering node. Although the scheme was primitive, its consequences were significant: a special key was used to close a valve on the measurement line, causing the electronic calculator to record distorted data. As a result, the state was deprived of over 8 million cubic metres of gas.
The organiser of the scheme and his three accomplices have been detained and informed of suspicions of fraud on an especially large scale and legalisation of property obtained through criminal means. Prosecutors are preparing motions for custody and insist on bail set at 203 million hryvnias.