In Kyiv, the SSU has exposed a scheme of extorting money from businesses.

According to the investigation, the ‘vertical’ corruption scheme was organized by chief of preventive unit of one of the district departments of the National Police in the capital in collusion with his subordinates.

The officials imposed a ‘tribute’ on wholesalers and retailers of food in one of Kyiv districts. From each outlet, they demanded from UAH 20,000 to 40,000 (USD 700-1,400) per month. If entrepreneurs refused to pay, the police officials threatened to create obstacles for the business.

The law enforcement detained the corrupt policeman ‘red-handed’ when he received a bribe from an entrepreneur.

The organizer of the scheme was notified of suspicion of bribery. The court is to choose the measure of restraint.

The investigators are verifying the information regarding abuse of power by the detainee’s subordinates.

The investigation is underway to establish all the circumstances and individuals involved.

The SSU carried out the operation together with the National Police and the SBI investigators under the supervision of Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office.