Deputy Mayor of Odesa region detained on suspicion of bribery

Law enforcement officers detained the deputy head of one of the city councils of Odesa district on suspicion of extortion and receiving a UAH 10,000 bribe from the chairman of the board of an apartment building co-owners association.

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

Law enforcement officers found that one of the heads of the condominiums appealed to the acting deputy head of one of the city councils of Odesa district - the head of the housing and communal services department - with a request to carry out work on the improvement of the adjacent territory. Instead, the official offered to resolve the issue by the forces and means of the utility company under his control without concluding a contract, but for a monetary reward.

For trimming bushes and trees, removing garbage and other work near the residential building, the offender demanded a gratitude in the amount of UAH 10 thousand. And in case of disagreement, he threatened that no utility company in the city would provide services to the condominium.

Law enforcement officers did not disclose the name of the detainee, but for several days various sources reported the detention of the deputy mayor of Pivdenne, Volodymyr Senyk.

The police detained the official in a procedural manner immediately after he received the agreed amount of bribe and seized the money.

The deputy mayor was served a notice of suspicion of obtaining an unlawful benefit for himself for committing an act in the interests of the person providing the unlawful benefit, using his official position, committed by an official in a responsible position, combined with extortion of an unlawful benefit. According to the sanction of Article 368(3) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, this crime is punishable by imprisonment for up to 10 years with disqualification to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities for up to three years, with confiscation of property.

The court imposed on the suspect a custodial measure of restraint with the right to be released on bail in the amount of UAH 242,240.

Кирило Бойко