An Odessa police officer was fined for accepting bribes during curfew

In Odesa, a police officer was fined for accepting bribes from transport operators during curfew. The senior lieutenant will pay more than 104,000 hryvnias and lose his right to work in the police force.

This is stated in the verdict of the Kyiv District Court of Odesa.

During the court hearing, the defendant fully admitted his guilt in receiving an unlawful benefit. At the same time, he denied any conspiracy with other colleagues or the fact of extorting money, claiming that the carrier acted voluntarily in the interest of his own business. The court agreed with this position and reclassified the law enforcement officer’s actions from extortion to receiving an unlawful benefit.

According to court records, the defendant was an inspector with the Public Order Protection Division of the Main Directorate of the National Police in the Odesa region. In May–July 2025, the law enforcement officer systematically offered a local carrier unimpeded movement through the city at night. In exchange, he charged $100 per vehicle each week.

In exchange for payment, the inspector shared information about the locations of checkpoints and mobile patrols. He also organized a so-called “green corridor” for the vehicles.

The carrier agreed to the law enforcement officer’s terms but immediately contacted the relevant authorities. All subsequent meetings took place under the full supervision of special service agents.

Investigators documented two instances of money transfers: on June 24, 2025, the police officer received $1,000, and on July 8, another $1,500. Immediately after receiving the second payment, the senior lieutenant was caught red-handed.
 

Юлія Калабайда