The SSU together with the Prosecutor’s Office eliminated a corruption scheme in the Territorial Department of the Bureau of Economic Security in Zakarpattia region.

A senior detective of the Bureau of Economic Security in the region organized the scheme.

The official set up a mechanism to illegally receive money from local entrepreneurs. In return for regular ‘contributions’, he promised them not to respond to facts of unlawful sale of excisable products, including electronic cigarettes.

For ‘covering up’ the illegal business, the official demanded from merchants to pay him USD 2 for each e-cigarette sold. Trying to spread his influence, he attempted to engage as many sellers as possible.

The senior detective also involved a member of the village council in Uzhhorod district in the criminal activity.

The SSU detained both suspects after they received USD 6,000 of illegal benefit.

The detainees have been notified of suspicion under the Article 368.3 of the CCU (acceptance of an offer, promise or receipt of illegal benefit by an official).

Court is to decide on the measure of restraint.

The investigation is ongoing to establish all the circumstances of the offence.

The SSU exposed the crime under the procedural supervision of Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office with the assistance of the Internal Security Department of the Bureau of Economic Security.