Ukraine Support Program Under Investigation. Allegations of Abuse of Power and 40 Million NOK Involved
The Norwegian National Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Environmental Crime (Økokrim) has charged two individuals in connection with the disbursement of funds from the Ukraine support program. The case involves an armed forces officer and the CEO of a company.
Økokrim is investigating funds allocated to Ukraine.
Fot. Adobe Stock, licencja standardowa (zdjęcie poglądowe)
The authority announced charges against individuals linked to the Nansen program. The funds were intended for equipment for Ukraine. Both suspects deny any wrongdoing. The information was shared in an official statement.
Charges Against the Officer
The armed forces officer has been charged with abuse of public authority. According to Økokrim, he allegedly influenced the procurement process while maintaining contacts with company representatives, which could have led to a conflict of interest. Investigators highlight his role as a superior within the military structure.
The officer's lawyer confirmed to NRK that his client has provided explanations, emphasizing that the suspect denies the charges. Details of the explanations have not been disclosed. The case is still ongoing. Økokrim has not commented on further steps regarding this individual.
The officer's lawyer confirmed to NRK that his client has provided explanations, emphasizing that the suspect denies the charges. Details of the explanations have not been disclosed. The case is still ongoing. Økokrim has not commented on further steps regarding this individual.
Investigators point to a possible conflict of interest in the military.Photo: stock.adobe.com/standard license
Contract and Charges Against the CEO
The second individual is the CEO of a company that received a contract under the Nansen program, valued between 30 and 40 million NOK. The charge concerns serious financial misconduct. According to investigators, the amount of irregularities exceeds 1 million NOK. The case does not directly involve relations with the program or the armed forces.
The CEO's lawyer claims the charges are unfounded and relate solely to internal company matters. He emphasizes that the case is unusual and believes the charges may be dropped. Økokrim has not commented on these opinions.
The CEO's lawyer claims the charges are unfounded and relate solely to internal company matters. He emphasizes that the case is unusual and believes the charges may be dropped. Økokrim has not commented on these opinions.
The investigation began after a tip-off from the Ministry of Defence, which detected possible irregularities. Økokrim obtained court approval to conduct searches. The Nansen program, launched in 2023, currently includes funds totaling 275 billion NOK through 2030. The proceedings are ongoing alongside the continued disbursement of further tranches of support for Ukraine.
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