The SSU’s cyber units have shut down a corruption scheme in the Northern Interregional Territorial Department of the Antimonopoly Committee (AMCU). In Kyiv, the SSU detained an official of the Research and Investigation Department of this state agency, who set up a criminal scheme to obtain money from entrepreneurs.

He extorted bribes from representatives of commercial entities and promised to ‘turn a blind eye’ to violations of antitrust laws and not impose administrative sanctions.

The SSU documented the civil servant ‘impose a tribute’ on a local company engaged in wholesale of chemicals and cleaning equipment.

For USD 8,000, the official promised the company’s director to ‘solve the issue’ and not impose fines for violations uncovered during an inspection.

The SSU documented the receipt of the first part of the bribe and apprehended the official ‘red-handed’ when he was got the second part.

Based on the evidence collected, the detained individual was 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).

The suspect is in custody. The investigation is ongoing. The law enforcement agencies are verifying the involvement of other AMCU officials in the criminal scheme.

The offender is facing up to 10 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The operation was carried out jointly with the National Police under the supervision of Kyiv Region Prosecutor’s Office.