Tax officer suspected of bribery incitement and soliciting
On Feb. 14, 2024, NABU and SAPO exposed an official of the Main Directorate of the State Tax Service in the Kharkiv region receiving USD 55,000 in undue advantage from a legal entity representative.
As established, the tax officer incited a representative of a private company to provide this amount to the head of the Main Directorate of the STS in the Kharkiv region. In return, he was to make a decision to exclude the company from the list of taxpayers meeting risk criteria and to register the suspended tax invoices of this LLC.
Furthermore, during January-February 2024, the tax official solicited USD 150,000 for taking actions in favor of several companies, particularly during audits conducted by her subordinate unit regarding the accuracy, completeness, and timely payment of taxes and fees.
On Feb. 15, 2024, NABU and SAPO notified the official of suspicion.
Her actions fall under Part 4 of Article 368, Part 4 of Article 27, Part 2 of Article 15 and Part 3 of Article 369 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
The investigation is taking steps to determine the involvement of other officials from the State Tax Service and individuals.
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.
