SBU exposes corruption scheme in Kharkiv region. Head of regional branch of Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc detained Sergey Ponomarenko and the head of the State Enterprise «Forests of Ukraine». They demanded bribes from entrepreneurs for the shipment of valuable timber.
Detention of the organisers of the scheme
The SBU detained Serhiy Ponomarenko, the head of the Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc in Kharkiv region, and the head of the State Enterprise «Forests of Ukraine». They are suspected of extorting bribes from entrepreneurs who won stock exchange auctions for the purchase of industrial timber.
According to the investigation, the organisers extorted UAH 1.3 million from one of the businessmen for the shipment of almost 200 cubic metres of valuable wood. All participants in the scheme were detained after the last part of the bribe was paid.
Details of the case
According to the SBU, the organisers of the scheme acted together, using their official positions. Entrepreneurs were forced to pay bribes to receive timber purchased at auctions from the state forestry.
The detainees face up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property. The pre-trial investigation is ongoing.
Context.
Serhiy Ponomarenko was the head of the regional branch of the Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc in Kharkiv region. The State Enterprise «Forests of Ukraine» is responsible for managing state forest resources.
In recent years, law enforcement agencies have recorded an increase in corruption schemes in the forestry sector.
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