In Kharkiv, the SSU detained two crooks who demanded payment from a participant in a criminal proceeding investigated by the SSU.

For USD 12,000, they offered the person accused of large-scale financial fraud to ‘solve the issue’ and ‘evade’ a real prison term.

Such a ‘solution’ was offered by two local residents, one of whom posed as an ‘employee of the SSU.’

The fraudsters pressured the victim and demanded money, promising to ‘influence’ the judge of Kyiv District Court of Kharkiv to reduce the sentence.

The SSU documented handing over of the first amount (USD 10,000) to the offenders.

After that, they expected to receive additional USD 2,000. The law enforcement detained both individuals when they received this sum.

The investigators will notify the detainees of suspicion shortly; the court is to decide on the type of detention.

The investigation into abuse of influence (Article 369-2.3 of the CCU) is ongoing.

The SSU Main Directorate for Internal Security together with the National Police carried out the operation to expose the suspects under the procedural supervision of Kyiv District Prosecutor’s Office of Kharkiv.