14 June 2025

What to do if you are being extorted for a session

(Image generated by AI)

A session is about knowledge, not price. If you are asked for money for a test or exam, this is corruption. Lawyers of the free legal aid system explain what a bribe is, what is the responsibility and where to go to protect your rights.

Abribe is a type of unlawful benefit.

It is not just money. A bribe can be

  • material values - gifts, equipment, jewelry;
  • the right to own or use property - for example, providing housing without payment
  • any actions of a property nature, such as the free provision of services (repair, cleaning, etc.).

What is the liability for bribery?

Minimal:

+ prohibition to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities - up to 3 years.

Maximum:

+ prohibition to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities - up to 3 years and confiscation of property.

Who is liable for bribery?

Both parties are liable - the bribe giver and the bribe receiver. At the same time, timely voluntary reporting of a bribe exempts from criminal liability.

Where should a student go if money is extorted for a session

  1. The student self-government body or trade union of the educational institution;
  2. the management of the educational institution;
  3. the hotline of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine (MES);
  4. the police;
  5. the National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption.

How to report extortion to the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine hotline

The message must contain:

  1. full name and place of residence of the applicant
  2. a description of the violation;
  3. Name of the person who allegedly committed the corruption offense, his/her position and place of work.

How to report extortion to law enforcement agencies:

  1. Prepare evidence - audio or video recording, explanations of witnesses (friends, classmates, employees of the educational institution, etc;)
  2. write a statement to the police at the location of the educational institution
  3. or report to the National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption.

You can do this

by phone (044) 200 06 91

by e-mail anticor_reports@nazk.gov.ua.

Олена Болган

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