20 May 2026
(ILLUSTRATION: Intent/AI)
Dozens of pieces of evidence have been seized in Odesa in the case of an alleged corruption scheme at a maritime academy. During a search of a cadet officer's car, law enforcement officers seized envelopes with cash, lists of cadets, and documents that may indicate systematic bribery at the university.
This was reported by the Center for Public Investigations.
According to law enforcement officers, one of the course officers of the Odesa Maritime Academy organized a scheme to receive money from students for assistance in passing exams and tests. According to law enforcement, he promised to help with teachers and the administration of the educational institution.
According to investigators, the fourth-year cadet allegedly demanded $1600 from the cadet for successfully passing six subjects, including English. In case of refusal to pay, the students, according to the investigation, were threatened with failure to pass the exams and possible expulsion.
According to law enforcement, the bribe amounts ranged from $1,200 to $2,500. During a search of the officer's JEEP COMPASS car, investigators seized cash in foreign currency, bank cards, a phone, a hard drive, flash drives, and drafts.
Law enforcement also found envelopes with the names of subjects and courses that contained money and lists of students. Among the inscriptions were "Meteorology 3rd year", "Nautical Astronomy 3rd year", "Labor Protection 4th year", "Law 4th year" and others.
In addition, documents with the names of the cadets, explanatory notes, accommodation contracts and envelopes with currency were found in the car. In total, dozens of physical evidence were seized during the investigation, which, according to the investigation, may indicate the existence of an organized bribery scheme at the university. The court arrested all the property seized during the search.
As Intent wrote, the officer was detained while receiving the full amount of the bribe in a car near the university in early May.
Анна Літман