The Security Service has detained the mayor of a town in the Odesa region who demanded bribes during the modernisation of the southern region’s energy infrastructure.

The investigation established that the official attempted to obtain an unlawful benefit of USD 35,000 from a representative of a company with foreign investments.

For this bribe, the mayor promised international contractors unhindered approval of the permit documentation for the construction of a wind farm in the port city.

This project was intended to become an alternative source of energy supply for residential developments and social facilities in the community. These included hospitals, schools and nurseries.

The SSU documented the suspect’s criminal actions and arrested him when he was receiving the bribe.

The official has now been notified of suspicion under Article 368.4 of the CCU (acceptance of an offer, promise or receipt of an unlawful benefit by a public official, committed by a public official holding a particularly responsible position).

The decision on a measure of restraint and removing him from his post is pending.

The investigation is ongoing to establish all the circumstances of the crime. The suspect faces up to 12 years’ imprisonment with confiscation of property.

The operation was carried out by the SSU Odesa Office jointly with the National Police investigators under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.