The SSU has exposed individuals who imposed a ‘tribute’ on domestic companies exporting Ukrainian grain.

Officials of the Main Directorate of the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection (SSUFSCP) in Odesa region and the state institution Odesa Region Phytosanitary Lab are involved in setting up the unlawful scheme.

The offenders’ monthly ‘profits’ reached USD 1 mln.

For the bribes, they ‘guaranteed’ entrepreneurs unimpeded processing of laboratory tests and certificates of conformity for agricultural products.

These permits are essential for selling grain to foreign states.

Into the unlawful activity, the officials involved three executives of affiliated private companies providing documentary support of cargoes.

The investigation established that grain traders had had to pay money in cash or transfer it to bank accounts of the businesses controlled by the corrupt officials.

The SSU documented several episodes when the suspects received bribes.

As a result of the investigation, the SSU detained the former head of the Phytosanitary Security Directorate of the SSUFSCP’s regional office, the deputy head and an inspector of Odesa Region Phytosanitary Lab, as well as three heads of the companies involved.

They have been notified of suspicion of offences under the following Articles of the CCU:

• 27.5, 368.3 (acceptance of an offer, promise or receipt of an unlawful benefit by an official);
• 368-3.3 (bribery of an official of a legal entity of private law, regardless of legal form).

For four suspects, the court has chosen a measure of restraint: custody with an alternative of bail in the amount of UAH 5 mln each. Another two have been put under round-the-clock house arrest. The investigation is underway.

The SSU carried out the operational and investigative activities jointly with the National Police under the procedural supervision of Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office.