What happened
On February 24, law enforcement officers are conducting searches in the premises of the municipal corporation «Kyivavtodor» as part of a criminal proceeding concerning the procurement of materials for winter road maintenance 2024–2025. This was reported by the Kyiv City State Administration, citing UNN. Similar investigative actions took place last week.
"Today, February 24, law enforcement officers are conducting investigative actions in the premises of the municipal corporation 'Kyivavtodor'. The searches are being carried out on the basis of a ruling by an investigative judge of the Holosiivskyi District Court of the city of Kyiv as part of a criminal proceeding. Similar investigative actions were also conducted last week."
— Kyiv City State Administration (statement)
Why this matters
At first glance — a bureaucratic investigation. In reality it concerns three key things for every Kyiv resident: road safety, the timely elimination of potholes, and the transparent use of public funds. The procurements being prepared for the heating season and the cold period determine how quickly and effectively the city will be able to respond to bad weather.
The pre-trial investigation must establish whether there were violations in public procurement procedures — from the selection of suppliers to pricing. Public procurement experts and analysts have repeatedly emphasized: transparent tenders and oversight are the most effective way to protect the community's interests.
Reaction of the corporation and practical consequences
The management of "Kyivavtodor" says that procurements were carried out in accordance with public procurement procedures and that employees are providing all requested documents, cooperating with the investigation. At the same time, the corporation warns that the investigative actions complicate the operational work of the road maintenance and operations departments — especially during preparation for the active phase of pothole elimination after a difficult winter period.
"The municipal corporation emphasizes that procurements were carried out in accordance with public procurement procedures. Employees of the municipal corporation are providing all requested documents and are assisting law enforcement agencies. At the same time, the searches complicate the operational work of the road maintenance and operations departments..."
— Municipal corporation "Kyivavtodor" (official statement)
Previous searches in the corporation were already conducted in connection with possible embezzlement of funds for road markings. Regardless of the investigation's outcome, the short-term risk is delays in the supply of materials and slower work by crews during a critical period.
What’s next
The pre-trial investigation is ongoing. For residents the key is to demand transparent results: whether there were violations, who will be held accountable, and how this will affect road quality. Analysts advise strengthening oversight of tenders and promptly finding reserves to ensure uninterrupted repairs. Road workers, for their part, say that work continues and they are doing everything possible to ensure safe travel around the city.
This is not just about paperwork: it determines how quickly Kyiv residents will be able to get to work, kindergarten, or the hospital in winter. Now the ball is in the investigators' court — and in ensuring that systemic shortcomings in procurement are corrected as soon as possible.
