The counterintelligence of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) eliminated in Kirovohrad region a scheme for the illegal export from Ukraine of dual-use goods subject to export control, in particular auxiliary gas turbine engines and navigation equipment for multi-purpose Mi-8 helicopters.

"A former official of the Kropyvnytsky pre-trial detention facility tried to sell the equipment. To search for potential buyers, he placed advertisements on specialized websites. To transport goods to foreign customers, the defendant wanted to use international freight transportation services. And in order to conceal illegal exports, he tried to enter false information into commodity and transport declarations," the press service of the SBU said on Thursday.

The SBU promptly exposed the deal, documented it step by step, and thereby prevented the illegal export of aircraft components and software abroad.

Based on the collected evidence, the perpetrator was informed of suspicion under Part 1 of Article 333 (violation of the procedure for international transfers of goods subject to state export control) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

An investigation is currently ongoing to establish the sources of origin and final recipient of the helicopter equipment. Additionally, materials are being prepared for the transfer of seized property to the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.