SSU exposes attempt to export helicopter spare parts

9 November, 2023 Spare parts for Mi-8 helicopters seized by the Security Service of Ukraine, September 9, 2023. Photo credits: SSU The Security Service of Ukraine uncovered an attempt to illegally export components for Mi-8 helicopters from Ukraine.

The SSU Press Service published the news on its social media pages. The SSU counter-intelligence in the Kirovohrad region uncovered an illegal export scheme of dual-use goods subject to export control. This regards auxiliary gas turbine engines and navigation equipment for the Mi-8 multipurpose helicopters.

Spare parts for Mi-8 helicopters seized by the Security Service of Ukraine, September 9, 2023.

Photo credits: SSU

The Security Service of Ukraine timely uncovered the export scheme and prevented the illegal export of aircraft parts abroad. A former official of the Kropyvnytskyi detention center tried to sell aircraft components and assemblies. He placed advertisements on specialized websites to find potential buyers.

The defendant wanted to use international cargo transportation services to transport the goods to foreign customers. He entered false information in the shipping declarations to conceal the illegal exports. The operatives are currently establishing the sources of origin and final recipients of the helicopter equipment.

In addition, materials are being prepared to transfer the seized property to the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. On November 8, the SSU detained three people who wanted to export equipment for MiG-29 fighter jets from Ukraine. The offenders tried to illegally sell a batch of spare parts for aircraft engines worth almost UAH 2.5 million to Asian customers.

According to the available data, the relevant components were previously stolen from the industrial giant Motor Sich.

In addition, in this way, the criminals also wanted to export a radar unit for MiG-29 fighter jets from Ukraine.