SBU SECURITY SERVICE detained four high-ranking officials of the Security Service in a case of extortion for closing criminal proceedings. The officials were involved in organising «amber schemes» in Rivne region. The detainees include deputy heads of SBU departments and an intermediary.
Detention of top SBU officials
SBU Internal Security conducted a special operation to detain four high-ranking officials. They extorted money from a group of companies engaged in amber mining in Rivne region.
Among the detainees:
- Oleg Tokarchuk - Deputy Head of the SBU Main Directorate in Kyiv and Kyiv Region;
- Alexander Yakobchuk - Deputy Head of the Investigation Department of the SBU Main Directorate;
- Igor Brika - Deputy Head of the Security Service of Ukraine in Rivne region;
- Andriy Avdiyevsky - intermediary and «cashier» of the scheme.
The mechanism of extortion
According to the investigation, the officials demanded $620,000 to close the criminal case against Amber Galbin. In addition, they received a daily «tribute» of $400 from each working pump.
The scheme operated in the Rivne region. The funds were transferred through an intermediary.
Context.
The illegal amber mining market in Rivne region remains one of the most problematic in the country. Previously, local law enforcement officers were suspected of involvement in amber schemes.
The SBU emphasises that the fight against corruption within the service is a priority. The case has been referred to court.
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