He registered a shopping mall as a residential building: in Transcarpathia, an entrepreneur is suspected of not paying more than UAH 3.4 million for electricity

In Transcarpathia, law enforcement officers have uncovered a scheme of alleged abuse of electricity tariffs, as a result of which state-owned energy companies suffered losses in the amount of over 3.4 million UAH. Suspicion was declared against a local entrepreneur who, according to the investigation, had been paying for electricity at understated rates for several years.

According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, the defendant registered the electricity consumption of the shopping and entertainment center “PLAZA” as being allegedly used for the needs of a residential building. This allowed the application of a preferential “household” tariff instead of a commercial one.

According to the investigation, the entrepreneur forged relevant documents and did not inform the electricity supplier about the actual nature of the use of the facility. As a result, for almost five years, payments were made at significantly lower rates.

The losses caused to the state are estimated at over 3.4 million UAH. In particular, about UAH 2.95 million was underpaid to SE NNEGC Energoatom, and over UAH 537 thousand to PJSC Ukrhydroenergo.

The suspect’s actions are classified under the articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine as fraud on an especially large scale and forgery of documents. Currently, prosecutors are preparing a petition to the court to choose a preventive measure, as well as initiating the seizure of property.

Law enforcement officers are also checking the possible involvement of other persons in the implementation of this scheme.

If proven guilty, the suspect faces significant punishment, including imprisonment and compensation for damages.