The SSU exposed corruption and abuse of office in the energy sector of Chernivtsi region. Corrupt practices were revealed in the Joint-Stock Company Chernivtsioblenerho, the regional office of the National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission (NEURC), as well as in the affiliated companies.

According to the investigation, a manager of a local office of the JSC Chernivtsioblenergo extorted USD 9,000 from a businessman for connecting commercial premises to the grid. Law enforcement officers detained the official red-handed near the office.

In addition, another manager of the JSC Chernivtsioblenergo extorted USD 1,000 from an entrepreneur for an electrical permit to install a meter. A close relative of a head of the NEURC regional office was also involved in the scam for reward. She was detained red-handed in her office while taking a bribe.

Criminal proceedings were instituted for bribery of an official.

The issue of serving suspicion papers is being resolved. Investigative actions are underway to establish all involved individuals.

SSU officers also documented abuses by a head of the NEURC regional office. In abuse of office, he obliged power companies to buy electricity from own solar power plant at an inflated rate. Such corrupt actions caused considerable state losses.

The investigation into abuse of office is on-going.

The operation was conducted under the coordination of the SSU CI Protection of the State’s Interests in the field of Economic Security jointly with the National Police under the supervision of Chernivtsi Region Prosecutor’s Office with the KORD Rapid Operational Response Unit.