The auction will feature equipment for cryptocurrency mining that was discovered at the branch of the state specialized enterprise «Forests of Ukraine». This decision was made by the Lychakiv District Court of Lviv, assigning the process of sale to the National Agency of Ukraine for Detection, Investigation and Management of Assets Obtained from Corruption and Other Crimes (ARMA).
This is reported by Business • Media
“The equipment for mining crypto assets was installed by the management illegally at one of the enterprise’s branches for personal enrichment,” said ARMA head Olena Duma.
Reasons for the Decision to Sell the Equipment
During an inspection conducted by specialists from the Western Interregional Territorial Administration of ARMA, it was confirmed that the technical means for mining are in working condition. The agency is currently organizing a competitive selection of a company that will undertake the sale of this equipment. The specifications of the devices, such as their cost or hash rate, are not being disclosed at this time.
Investigation History and Consequences
In June 2023, Ukrainian media reported that employees of the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) discovered an underground data center at the branch of “Rava-Ruska Forestry” of the enterprise “Forests of Ukraine”. According to the investigation, the organizers of the illegal farm included the former director, his deputy, the chief accountant, and other employees, with electricity costs covered by state funds. Preliminary losses to the budget are estimated at 1.5 million hryvnias, while the net profit of the individuals involved in the case could reach around 4 million hryvnias.
Currently, ARMA does not clarify whether this is the same case that was previously investigated, but emphasizes the illegality of operating mining equipment at a state enterprise.