NABU completes probe into third attempt to bribe SPFU Head

NABU and SAPO have completed an investigation in respect of a former official of Mykolaivoblenerho JSC (70% of shares belong to the state) exposed offering an improper advantage to the Head of the State Property Fund of Ukraine for getting employed as the head of the same enterprise (managed by SPFU). On April 22, 2021, the case materials were disclosed to the defense for review.

The actions of the suspect fall under Part 4 Article 369 (offer, promise, or provision of improper benefit to an official).

The investigation has found that the suspect offered the SPFU Head USD 100 thousand for being appointed as the general director of the enterprise. He planned to transfer the money in two parts: USD 50 thousand before the appointment and the rest - after getting the post.

The ex-official was exposed giving the first tranche of USD 50 thousand and detained under Art. 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine. On December 9, 2020, he was served with a notice of suspicion.

NABU launched a pre-trial investigation into the above facts in September 2020 upon the request of the SPFU Head.

This was the third attempt to bribe the SPFU Head. As for the first one, the indictment against two persons offering USD 5 million to secure the appointment of a pre-determined pas the director of Odesa Port Plant PJSC was sent to court in June 2020. In July 2020, NABU recorded another attempt to bribe the SPFU Head: a person was detained immediately after the transfer of USD 200 thousand being the first part of the improper advantage in the total amount of USD 800 thousand. As for the second episode, the case was referred to court in February 2021.