Attempted bribery of NABU, SAPO leadership: investigation of Ecology Minister completed

NABU and SAPO have completed a special investigation into the former Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources under President Yanukovych, who is suspected of an attempt to bribe the leadership of anti-corruption agencies to close criminal proceedings against him. On Oct. 28, 2021, the case materials were disclosed for review. The actions of the suspect fall under Part 3 Art. 27, Part 4 Art. 369 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
As the whereabouts of the former minister is unknown, on July 1, 2020, in accordance with Art. 135, Art. 278 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine, he was notified of suspicion by mail at the place of registration, the housing maintenance organization at the last known place of residence, and by phone.

As reported, on June 12-13, 2020, NABU and SAPO exposed three persons right after giving USD 5 million in bribe intended for the heads of NABU and SAPO to terminate the criminal case involving the ex-Ecology Minister.

They were the First Deputy Head of the State Tax Service in Kyiv, a top manager of a group of companies affiliated with the former Ecology Minister, and the Former Head of one of the Departments of the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine.

All three were detained and notified of suspicion. The High Anti-Corruption Court sent them in custody with an option of being released on bail amounting to UAH 244 million in total.

According to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is considered non-guilty in the commission of a crime and cannot be subject to criminal punishment until he or she is found guilty by court.