The Security Service of Ukraine has revealed the former first deputy director of a regional state administration involved in influence peddling during land issues in Dnipropetrovsk region.

Allegedly, the civil servant, using his position, established a mechanism for receiving improper benefits. The official, for different amounts of remuneration, "guaranteed" entrepreneurs unimpeded consideration and approval of documentation for the land use rights, land plot lease or alteration.

SBU operatives documented the fact of the official’s attempt to get USD 4,000 from a member of a local commercial structure. For this amount, he promised the businessman assistance in granting permission to alter 3 land sites totaling ​​6 hectares for the installation of solar power plants.

During searches at the suspects’ workplace and house, law enforcement officers found documents and computer equipment with evidences of the crime.

In the course of investigation, SBU officers established that the official “forgot” to include in the declaration of assets information on available vehicles and real estate for almost UAH 2,000,000 (USD 74,075), which is confirmed by the relevant examinations.

Within the framework of the criminal proceedings, the offender was served a suspicion notice of influence peddling and false information declaration (Art.369-2 and Art.366-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

The exposing operation was carried out under the procedural guidance of the Pavlohrad local Prosecutor's Office of Dnipropetrovsk region.