That is according to NABU, Ukrinform reports.

"According to the investigation, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs persuaded international donors and subordinate employees of diplomatic missions abroad to direct financial assistance to the bank account of a controlled non-governmental organization. According to an expert assessment, the funds received by this NGO legally constituted earmarked budget funds from the special fund of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine," the statement said.

According to NABU, the funds were subsequently transferred to accounts belonging to controlled individual entrepreneurs and legal entities, which then funneled the money through money laundering centers to be withdrawn in cash. The proceeds were then used by members of the scheme for personal enrichment.

"To create the appearance of legitimate activity by the NGO, the scheme's participants prepared fake letters and signed grant agreements containing false information. The investigation has so far established the laundering of more than UAH 37 million (approximately $1.28 million at the time the crime was committed)," NABU said.

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The suspects include a former State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2020–2024), who organized the scheme; a former head of the State Secretary's office, currently serving as a diplomatic official; an advisor to a former foreign minister and head of the controlled NGO; and the NGO's accountant.

The suspects are charged under Part 4 of Article 190 (misappropriation of another person's property on an especially large scale), Part 5 of Article 191 (misappropriation or embezzlement of property), and Part 3 of Article 209 (legalization (laundering) of property) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

Materials from the State Audit Service of Ukraine were used in uncovering the crime.

The investigation is ongoing, and all circumstances surrounding the offence are being established.