Naftogaz Group uncovers large-scale gas theft scheme in Sumy and Vinnytsia

A large-scale gas theft scheme was exposed by security specialists of Naftogaz of Ukraine and Gas Distribution Networks of Ukraine LLC.

This is stated in the message of the Naftogaz of Ukraine group, the Ukrainian News agency reports.

The report says that the unauthorized sampling was carried out by one of the gas filling compressor stations in Sumy.

According to the results of the analysis, experts found a significant discrepancy between the volumes of gas declared by the station and those actually used.

In turn, HAZMEREZHI's security team found out that the company had expanded its activities to the Vinnytsia Region.

HAZMEREZHI filed appropriate statements with law enforcement agencies.

A criminal proceeding has been opened.

It is noted that with the assistance of the HAZMEREZHI's security team, investigators found unauthorized interference with the metering device on the territory of the Sumy enterprise, and a possible place of illegal tie-in to the gas distribution network on the territory of the Vinnytsia enterprise.

Based on the results of the inspection of gas filling stations in Sumy and Vinnytsia, HAZMEREZHI specialists drew up acts of violation.

Based on the acts, the perpetrators must pay UAH 56.6 million in fines for gas theft.

Naftogaz reports that law enforcement officers conducted 25 searches and seized evidence of illegal activity.

The Vinnytsia Regional Prosecutor's Office also declared one official under suspicion.

As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, in 2025, gas imports to Ukraine increased 9 times compared to 2024 to 6.5 billion cubic meters (2024: 724 million cubic meters).