The SBU exposed the head of a district unit of the State Fiscal Service in Ternopil region on taking bribes from businessmen. SBU officers documented the extortion of UAH 1 m (USD 35,715) by the official.

Allegedly, the official demanded money from a representative of the local commercial entity. For money, the official “guaranteed” the businessman to reduce penalties for the enterprise. He also promised not to send the results of the examination to law enforcement agencies for criminal proceedings registration.

To transfer money, the official involved his acquaintance as a mediator.

Law enforcement officers detained the accomplice on receiving the total amount of the bribe, pursuant to Art. 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine.

The official and the mediator were served suspicion notice of accepting offers, promise or receiving illegal gain by the official. The request to choose custody as type of detention was filed to court.

Investigation is ongoing.

Measures to expose illegal activities were conducted jointly with the Territorial Department of the State Bureau of Investigation in Lviv city under the legal supervision of Ternopil Region Prosecutor's Office.