The SSU and the State Bureau of Investigations have shut down a corruption scheme in the Western Interregional Department for the Execution of Criminal Sentences of the Ministry of Justice.

As a result of the operation, the head of the department was detained in Lviv.

The official extorted bribes from businessmen in exchange for unimpeded business activities in the correctional facilities of Ukraine’s western region.

The investigation documented that the person in question had set up a corruption scheme with a wood processing company that was working on the territory of one of the correctional colonies.

He deliberately delayed the process of concluding official contracts and received payment from businessmen in cash.

As was established, the department head imposed a tribute on every cubic meter of wood that the private contractors processed on the territory of this facility.

The law enforcement agencies documented the crime and detained him ‘red-handed’ when he was receiving another illegal benefit in the amount of EUR 2,000.

Based on the evidence, the detained official was served a notice of suspicion under Article 368 of the CCU (acceptance of an offer, promise or receipt of an unlawful benefit by an official).

The investigation is ongoing.

This offence is punishable by up to 12 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property.

The operation was carried out by the SSU Lviv Office jointly with the State Bureau of Investigations under the procedural supervision of Lviv Region Prosecutor’s Office.