The mayor of a city in Odesa region was detained for extortion of a $35,000 bribe. The official promised international investors unimpeded approval of permits for the construction of a wind farm. The Security Service of Ukraine documented the criminal scheme and detained the official while he was transferring the money.
Briefly about the main points
- A mayor from Odesa region was detained for extorting a $35,000 bribe.
- A bribe was demanded for a permit to build a wind farm.
- The official faces up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.
Security Service detains mayor for bribe of $35,000
The mayor of a city in Odesa region was detained for extorting a bribe during the modernisation of the region's energy infrastructure. The official demanded $35,000 for approval of permits for the construction of a wind farm in the port city of Izmail district. The Prosecutor General announced this during the investigation.
Pros. information According to the investigation, the mayor deliberately blocked the process of issuing permits, citing the absence of environmental inspectors and problems with city council employees. Even the donation of three generators as charity for uninterrupted operation did not resolve the delays.
Cryptocurrency scheme and the consequences of corruption
The official used a crypto scheme to conceal the bribe. Through an intermediary, he transferred codes to convert cash into cryptocurrency to an electronic wallet. The first tranche of $10,000 activated the process of issuing the warrant. After receiving the permit, the entrepreneurs received a code to pay another $25,000.
The official has already been served a notice of suspicion for ч. 4 Art. 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. He faces up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property. The issue of choosing a measure of restraint and removal from office is being decided. The investigation is ongoing to establish all the circumstances of the case.
