A lawmaker from the Odesa region was caught accepting a bribe in exchange for a permit for a small retail kiosk

<span><span><span><span><span><span>A member of the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi City Council was detained on suspicion of bribery. She faces up to ten years in prison and the confiscation of her property.</span></span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span><span>This was reported by the Main Directorate of the National Police in the Odesa region. </span></span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span><span>According to investigators, the suspect, who heads one of the departments of the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi City Council, demanded $1,000 in exchange for permission to set up a temporary structure in the city for the retail sale of food and beverages. The official convinced the businesswoman that it was impossible to obtain a permit for the retail location without paying the money. </span></span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span><span>The official was detained immediately after receiving the money in her office. The funds were seized as physical evidence. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span>A decision on what preventive measure to impose on the detainee is currently being made. </span></span></span></span></span></span>

Earlier in Odesa, the director of the Medical Center for Maritime Safety for Seafarers was suspended from his post pending an investigation into a bribery case. According to investigators, he issued medical documents to seafarers who were abroad in exchange for money. To do this, he entered false information into patient registration logs regarding alleged medical examinations and then personally filled out and signed the medical certificates. The man also headed an expert commission authorized to certify seafarers’ fitness for work.

During searches at the hospital and at the official’s home, investigators seized cash, a cell phone, documents, seals, and other evidence which, according to investigators, confirm his involvement in the scheme. 

Юлія Калабайда