Case Involving the Sale of Influence Over a Judge Dismissed in Odesa Region

In the Odesa region, a former judge’s assistant was cleared of criminal charges in a case involving bribery to influence a court decision.

The Center for Public Investigations examined the details of the case.

According to a ruling by the Black Sea City Court dated November 2, 2026, the dispute concerned a 287-square-meter property that the company “Polimix” had leased in March 2021. After the tenant refused to vacate the property, the company filed a lawsuit to terminate the lease agreement.

A company representative approached a former assistant to a judge at the Ovidiopol District Court. Although the assistant had resigned back in September 2020, he claimed that he was still working at the court and maintained a good relationship with the judge. According to the case file, he offered to arrange a ruling in favor of the company for $6,000.

A lawyer who was unaware of the agreement was brought in to prepare the documents. He drafted a counterclaim and a settlement agreement under which the tenant was to receive ownership of the premises.

In August 2021, a representative of the company contacted the State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) and acted under the supervision of law enforcement officials. He handed over $6,000 to the former assistant in two installments. The judge approved the settlement agreement but, as noted in the case file, was unaware of the money transfer. After receiving the second installment, the man was detained.

The defense attorney requested that the case be dismissed due to the expiration of the statute of limitations. The judge granted the motion and lifted the seizure of the car.

The $3,000 seized during the arrest was ordered to be returned to the State Bureau of Investigation’s special budget.

Анна Літман