Audit unveils multimillion scandal at parliamentary TV channel

Source: Chesno

An extensive audit by Ukraine’s Accounting Chamber has uncovered serious violations at the parliamentary TV channel, “Rada,” where contracts worth 276 million hryvnias were allegedly awarded to the production company “Kinokit” linked to former Zelensky’s aide Kyrylo Tymoshenko.

The audit, spanning 2020–2023, revealed Rada TV failed to follow competetive bidding polices, making it easier for “Kinokit” to win a great share of lucrative deals. Key finding include the following episodes:

Unregulated Competitions:
From December 2021 to mid-2022, “Rada” signed six contracts worth 92.6 million hryvnias with “Kinokit” under these loosely governed competitions. Auditors found evidence of excessive spending, such as producing the program “Naspravdi” 11 times in three days instead of the agreed three productions.
Mismanagement of Assets:
Parliament lacks proper documentation for four land plots and 33 real estate properties, including the recreation center “Pushcha-Vodytsia.” Delays in Kyiv City Council’s work have stalled the formalization process.
Unauthorized Use of Public Property:
In 2021-2022, “Rada” allowed its assets to be used for free, causing the state a loss of 4.8 million hryvnias. Additionally, the channel failed to timely disclose reports on contracts totaling 22.9 million hryvnias, violating public procurement laws.
Exclusive Access to Government Resources:
During early 2022, “Kinokit” used the mobile “Cabinet of Ministers” studio for production, all funded by taxpayers.
Unaccountable Spending:
In 2021–2022, the parliament allocated 1.5 billion hryvnias for the maintenance and procurement of its institutions. However, a large portion went unchecked, allowing “Kinokit” to spend as it saw fit during periods when no audits were conducted.

The revelations have added to declining trust in the state-run marathon broadcast that has many programs produced by “Rada” TV. Only 17% of Ukrainians now find its news coverage relevant, a drop from 22% in December 2023. Many critics argue the TV channel operates with minimal oversight and is basically run by Kinokit production company.