Village head in Odesa region detained on suspicion of bribery

The Security Service of Ukraine and the National Police detained the head of a village council in Odesa region on suspicion of extortion and bribery.

According to the SBU press service, he demanded a bribe from a local businessman for not interfering with his business activities.

According to the investigation, in exchange for a bribe of UAH 50,000, the official promised not to initiate court proceedings to recover the rent arrears for the use of the land plot on which the company's facilities are located.

Photo: SBU

Law enforcement officers found that in 2004, a local resident obtained ownership of the food production company's complex of buildings. However, he did not register the right to use the land plot on which the company is located. Thus, the entrepreneur did not make payments to the budget for the lease of land belonging to the community.

Being aware of this situation, the head of the village council decided to use it to his advantage. Having met with the entrepreneur, the official assured him that, due to his official position, he could settle the latter's debt obligations privately, without going to court. He would also assist in concluding a land lease agreement.

Law enforcement officers detained him at his workplace after he received a bribe from the head of the company. Currently, the head of the village council of the united territorial community of Podilskyi district of Odesa region has been notified of suspicion under Article 368 (3) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (acceptance of an offer, promise or receipt of an unlawful benefit by an official).

He was chosen as a measure of restraint in the form of detention with an alternative of bail in the amount of UAH 500 thousand and suspended from office.