The Security Service and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine conducted a joint operation to neutralise judicial fraud in Odesa

As a result of the operation, a local judge and a lawyer who ‘traded’ court decisions have been uncovered.

As the investigation established, the perpetrators offered the defendant in a civil case to negotiate with a judge of an Odesa district court regarding the ‘necessary’ ruling. The cost of such a ‘service’ was USD 10,000.

The defendant was to transfer the first part of the bribe to the officials as an ‘advance payment’ before the case was heard, and the second part immediately before the court decision was made.

The SSU and the NABU documented the crimes of the scheme’s organisers and caught them red-handed after the transfer of the last part of the illegal benefit.

The individuals involved have been notified of suspicion under Articles 15.2, 27.4, 369.3 of the CCU (completed attempt to incite the offering, promising, or provision of an illegal benefit to a public official).

The decision on a measure of restraint is pending. The investigation is ongoing.

The suspects face up to 8 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The operation was carried out under the procedural supervision of the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office.