A soldier in Odessa was arrested for extorting $23,000 from a fellow soldier

Police officers and military law enforcement personnel detained a servicemember in Odesa for extorting money from another servicemember.

This was reported by the press service of the Main Directorate of the National Police in the Odesa region.

According to the investigation, a 33-year-old officer from one of the military units offered to help a fellow serviceman pass a military medical examination and obtain medical reports that would serve as grounds for declaring the latter unfit for further military service. The perpetrator promised to resolve this matter by influencing officials of the military medical commission, for which he demanded $23,000.

The suspect was detained in accordance with legal procedures while receiving the illicit benefit. As material evidence, investigators seized the illegally obtained funds, a mobile phone, and the suspect’s vehicle, and are currently petitioning the court to place a lien on the property.  

Based on sufficient evidence gathered, police investigators informed the detainee that he is suspected of receiving an illegal benefit for himself by influencing the decision-making of a person authorized to perform state functions, combined with the extortion of such a benefit. The court imposed a preventive measure on the suspect in the form of round-the-clock house arrest. If found guilty, the officer could face up to eight years in prison with confiscation of property. During the pre-trial investigation, police will establish all the circumstances of the crime and identify all individuals who may be involved.

Earlier in Odesa, an investigation was completed into a case involving two law enforcement officers suspected of illegally profiting from men subject to military conscription. According to the investigation, they charged thousands of dollars for the opportunity to avoid being sent to the military registration and enlistment office.

Кирило Бойко