The SSU and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine have exposed a judge of Brovary Town and District Court on corruption. He extorted a USD 4,000 bribe for a ‘correct decision’ during a court hearing.

The SSU and the NABU caught the suspect ‘red-handed’ when he received the second part of the bribe (USD 3,000).

According to the investigation, the judge received the bribe from a representative of a party in a civil case. In return, he promised to make a decision supporting this party.

The official got the bribe in two tranches: USD 1,000 for a decision that obliged the other party to seek additional evidence in the case, and another USD 3,000 for a decision to recover the debt in favour of the plaintiff.

The judge has been served a notice of suspicion under Article 368.3 of the CCU (acceptance of an offer, promise or receipt of an unlawful benefit by an official).

During the searches, USD 15,600 packed in multiple envelopes were seized from the suspect.

The investigation is ongoing. The court is to decide on a measure of restraint.

According to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of a crime and cannot be subject to criminal punishment until their guilt is proven in line with the procedure defined by law and established by a relevant court’s verdict.