Uncovered by the Estonian Prosecutor's Office: The illegal diversion of 450,000 euros in charitable funds meant for NGO "Glory to Ukraine"
In a shocking turn of events, Johanna-Maria Lehtme, co-founder of the Estonian NGO Slava Ukraini, has been formally charged with breach of trust and embezzlement. The indictment accuses her of diverting €44,500 in donation funds to benefit the Ukrainian company IC Construction and the Ukrainian NGO All For Victory[1][2].
The criminal case against Lehtme began in May 2023 and after a two-year joint investigation by Estonian and Ukrainian authorities, charges were filed and submitted to the Harju District Court in early August 2025[2]. The total damage related to the NGO Slava Ukraini is around €450,000, which prosecutors noted could have been better used as humanitarian aid to Ukraine[1].
Since August 2022, Johanna-Maria Lehtme entered into agreements with the Ukrainian company IC Construction. These agreements caused economic damage to the NGO "Glory to Ukraine" through inflated prices for humanitarian aid in the amount of 413,000 euros[1]. The investigation found that each transaction with IC Construction involved inflated prices, and the kickbacks from these inflated prices were received by Ukrainian Gennady Vaskiv, the current director of IC Construction and head of the All for Victory foundation[1].
However, the investigation did not provide evidence that Johanna-Maria Lehtme was aware of or involved in the kickbacks received by Vaskiv. The NGO Slava Ukraini is currently in liquidation and has opted not to file a claim to recover the lost money[1].
It's important to note that Gennady Vaskiv is associated with the All for Victory foundation. Vaskiv previously held the position of deputy mayor of Lviv before the war. In 2024, he was accused of stealing humanitarian aid in Ukraine[3].
The investigation did not reveal any other parties involved in the embezzlement beyond Johanna-Maria Lehtme and Gennady Vaskiv[1]. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in humanitarian aid, especially during times of crisis.
[1] https://www.err.ee/1152714/estonia-ngo-leader-charged-with-embezzlement-in-ukraine-aid-scandal [2] https://www.postimees.ee/6680119/ngo-lehtme-juhannamaria-juhatus-eesti-ukraina-aidi [3] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-53923434
- The charged embezzlement incident involving Johanna-Maria Lehtme, along with the general-news of Gennady Vaskiv's past accusations of stealing humanitarian aid in Ukraine, highlights the necessity for transparency and accountability in crime-and-justice matters, particularly during critical humanitarian aid situations.
- In the case of Johanna-Maria Lehtme and the embezzlement of funds from the NGO Slava Ukraini, the indictment accuses her of misusing funds destined for Ukraine, linking this incident to the broader sphere of politics and humanitarian aid donations.
