Prosecutors of the Poltava Specialized Prosecutor's Office in the Defense Sector have uncovered a scheme for the illegal sale of diesel fuel intended for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 

A technician from one of the military units in Poltava organized a scheme for the theft of diesel fuel followed by its sale. He involved four drivers-fuelers from the military unit in the illegal activity. Another participant was a civilian who purchased the stolen fuel.

From June to November 2025, the drivers, under the technician's guidance, entered false information into the waybills and created unaccounted fuel surpluses. The artificially created "surplus" of diesel was sold to a civilian.

A total of 36 instances of diesel fuel theft have been documented, amounting to over 8 tons. The losses to the military unit are approximately 500,000 UAH. 

In November 2025, during the sale of 240 liters of stolen fuel, the suspects were detained by law enforcement.

Five servicemen have been notified of suspicion under Part 4 of Article 410 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — theft of military property. The civilian has been charged under Part 5 of Article 27 and Part 4 of Article 410 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (aiding in the theft of military property).

Four servicemen and the civilian have been placed in custody with the possibility of posting bail of nearly 1 million UAH, while another serviceman has been placed under night house arrest.

Note: According to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of committing a crime and cannot be subjected to criminal punishment until their guilt is proven in a lawful manner and established by a court verdict.