Kherson Military Official Faces 10-Year Sentence for Extortion Scheme

The director of the Kherson Regional Military Authority is suspected of demanding a 10% kickback for facilitating the conclusion of contracts for repair work and influencing employees. The court seized his property, including real estate, vehicles and a stake in a business.

This is evidenced by the decision of the Central District Court of Mykolaiv.

According to the investigation, the official, who was appointed director of the Department for Civil Protection and Defense in February 2023, used his official position to demand a 10% kickback from the director of Voltenergotrans LLC. He promised to facilitate the conclusion of contracts for the repair of shelters with the Kherson Regional Municipal Emergency Rescue Service (KhOKARS), which was under his control.

As the investigation found out, after the work was completed and the funds were received, the company's representative transferred UAH 69 thousand to the deputy head of KhOKARS, an accomplice of the official.

In addition, the same director of the department, together with an official of the emergency rescue service, according to the investigation, tried to influence employees of the Kherson Regional Healthcare Administration and the Kherson Regional Hospital for Rehabilitation. This time, the contract was for repair work at the hospital. For this, he also demanded 10% of the contract amount and promised to facilitate the conclusion of the contract with the company.

During the conversation with the director of Voltenergotrans, the official emphasized that if he refused to pay, the company would not be able to continue to operate in Kherson region without hindrance. After the contract with the hospital was concluded, the same department director instructed him to transfer 10% of each payment to the company. The director of the company, acting on the instructions of law enforcement officers, handed over UAH 199 thousand to the extortionist during a personal meeting.

The official's actions are qualified under Part 3 of Art. 368 (obtaining undue advantage), as well as Part 2 of Art. 28, Part 3 of Art. 369-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (abuse of influence by prior conspiracy). These crimes are punishable by up to 10 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property and a ban on holding office.

The court has already granted the prosecutor's motion and seized the defendant's property: two apartments, two boats, two cars, a share in a building and corporate rights in the company KC.AUTO worth over UAH 240 thousand. The director of the department faces up to 10 years in prison with confiscation of property.

Another director of the municipal enterprise Sanitary Cleaning of the City of Voznesensk City Council was also found guilty of embezzling budget funds. He paid salaries to a service provider who did not actually work for the company. This was done with the aim of misappropriating funds by entering into fictitious contracts with such a supplier.

Recently, a businesswoman from Mykolaiv region was accused of negligence in office for improper control over the overhaul of a school, which led to the misappropriation of local budget funds. The court sentenced her to a fine and a two-year probationary period.

Анна Бальчінос