The SSU and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau have exposed the mayor of Sumy and the director of the city’s Infrastructure Department on corruption.

The officials extorted bribes from local entrepreneurs for unimpeded business.

The investigation documented the persons in question ‘impose a tribute’ on a local garbage collection company: they demanded UAH 2,130,000 (USD 56,000) from the entrepreneur. If the victim refused to pay, they threatened to create artificial obstacles for the business.

The SSU and the NABU detained both suspects ‘red-handed’ when they received part of the bribe - UAH 1.4 mln.

The apprehended officials will be notified of suspicion under Article 368.4 of the CCU (acceptance of an offer, promise or receipt of an unlawful benefit by an official). The court is to choose a measure of restraint.

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

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.