Kherson region: SBU exposes systemic corruption during trucking (video)

In pursuance of the Order of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi to counteract the violation of the road trucks weight-size regulations, SBU blocked systemic corruption in the Black Sea Interregional Department of Ukrtransbezpeka.

Allegedly, former and current management staff, as well as mediators were involved in the fraud.

In particular, SBU operatives found that the official of the administrative services division together with an ex-colleague and a local businessman, systematically extorted money from the owners of trucking companies. The businessman was looking for customers, while the ex-official provided unhindered movement of vehicles by the regional highway via former colleagues. He also was responsible for the financial part of the deal. The cost of a “pass” amounted to UAH 1,000 (USD 36) for each truck violating the tonnage norms. The suspects unlawfuly gained at least UAH 100,000 (USD 3,572) per month. The dealers received money on bank cards and in cash.

The suspects were exposed on receiving unlawful benefit from another trucking company. Earlier, the law enforcement officers documented five facts of receiving bribes by the suspects. A bank audit showed the suspects illegaly received almost UAH 3,000,000 (USD 107,143) in total.

Criminal proceedings are carried out upon the fact of taking a bribe by an official (Part 3 Art. 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). The issues of serving the official a notice of suspicion and bringing to justice other persons involved are being settled.

The involvement of the officers of the Patrol Police Department in Kherson region in illegal activities is being checked.

Measures to expose the dealers were conducted jointly with the Main Department of the National Police in Kherson region under the supervision of the regional Prosecutor's Office.