The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine is investigating the activities of Fire Point, a company that produces the FP-1 UAV and the FP-5 («Flamingo») cruise missile. The manufacturers are suspected of overstating the cost of components and the number of drones for the Defense Forces.
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine is investigating the activities of Fire Point, a company that produces the FP-1 UAV and the FP-5 («Flamingo») cruise missile. The manufacturers are suspected of overstating the cost of components and the number of drones for the Defense Forces.
This was reported by Kyiv Independent, citing sources familiar with the investigation. It is noted that Fire Point was virtually unknown outside the Ukrainian defense community, but according to documents obtained by the publication, the company is one of the largest recipients of budget funds from the Ministry of Defense for drones.
According to anonymous officials and defense industry representatives, as part of the investigation, NABU is investigating concerns that Fire Point overstated the cost of its components or the number of drones it supplies to the military, «or both.»
The NABU initially declined to comment, citing «investigation secrecy.» Later, the Bureau clarified that «the NABU and the SAP are not investigating the Flamingo missile mentioned in the media.»
Fire Point confirmed the existence of an investigation. The company noted that it is based on rumors and is part of a larger investigation into defense procurement in Ukraine. «There is no point in looking for secrets where there are none,» said Iryna Terek, CTO and CEO of Fire Point.
Sources claim that NABU is also investigating the connection between Fire Point and businessman Timur Mindich, who is a co-owner of the TV studio «Quarter 95», founded by Volodymyr Zelensky. According to rumors, he may be the ultimate owner of the company that produces missiles «Flamingo». At the same time, Timur Mindich’s lawyer said that he has no information about his client’s connection with Fire Point.
It was previously reported that the defense company Fire Point was founded after the Russian full-scale invasion of 2022 by a group of close friends, experts in various fields — construction, video game design, and architecture.
The company produces long-range FP-1 drones and the FP-5 cruise missile with a range of up to 3,000 km .
We will remind you that at the end of July, after public and international pressure, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a law restoring the powers of the NABU and the SAPO .
