26 May 2026
(PHOTO: SBU)
The Security Service of Ukraine detained the mayor of a city in Odesa region on suspicion of extortion of bribes during the modernization of the energy infrastructure of the southern region.
According to the SBU press service, the detainee tried to receive an undue advantage in the amount of USD 35,000 from a representative of a company with foreign investments.
For this amount, the mayor allegedly promised international contractors unimpeded approval of permits for the construction of a wind farm in the port city. This project was supposed to be an alternative source of energy for residential development and social facilities of the local community. These included hospitals, schools and kindergartens.
SBU officers documented the criminal activity of the suspect and detained him on the receiving end of the bribe.
The SBU did not disclose the name of the detainee, but the day before, journalist Iryna Hryb said that it was the mayor of Kiliya, Vyacheslav Chernyavsky.
If his guilt is proven, the mayor faces imprisonment for a term of eight to twelve years with disqualification to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities for up to three years, with confiscation of property.
Кирило Бойко