Three Ternopil officials suspected of extorting money from a businessman-volunteer
On June 26, 2023, NABU and SAPO detained the head of the Ternopil Regional Council and two deputy heads of the Ternopil Regional Military Administration for receiving undue benefits.
According to the investigation, the detainees demanded nearly UAH 2.4 million from the owner of a company for signing certificates of completion for construction and renovation works carried out at infrastructure projects of a municipal enterprise under the Ternopil Regional Council. They also promised to settle the debt of the Ternopil Regional Military Administration with the aforementioned company for works that had already been completed and accepted in 2022. The unlawful benefit was a 5-10% kickback for settling the outstanding payment for completed works. Despite the businessman's involvement in volunteering and support for the army, the officials still demanded a bribe.
After the transfer of the third tranche worth over UAH 600,000, the head of the Ternopil Regional Council and two deputy heads of the Ternopil Regional Military Administration were nabbed red-handed. The same day, all three were notified of suspicion under Part 4 Art. 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
NABU and SAPO started investigating the above facts at the request of the businessman.
Detectives and prosecutors keep control of the funds allocated for recovery.
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.