Deputy Minister requested USD 500,000 bribe to rescue mining equipment in Donbas (PHOTOS)
NABU and SAPO, together with the SSU and Kyiv Region Prosecutor's Office, exposed a deputy minister of energy who solicited an undue advantage for granting permission to export mining equipment from the frontline area.
According to the investigation, the official, in conspiracy with the head of one of the state-owned coal enterprises in the East and two other persons, requested the head of another coal enterprise in the Western region to give a USD 500,000 bribe. In return, he promised to ensure the transfer and storage of valuable coal mining equipment from one state-owned enterprise to another with an option of using it. This equipment actually had to be rescued, as it was located near the combat zone.
The money was supposed to be handed over in five installments, each amounting to USD 100,000.
After the third tranche was given to one of the accomplices, he was caught red-handed.
All four were detained and charged under Part 4 Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
According to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is considered not-guilty in the commission of a crime and cannot be subject to criminal punishment until he or she is found guilty by court.
