The SSU has eliminated a corruption scheme in the Main Directorate of the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection in Kharkiv region.

The offenders systematically extorted money from Ukrainian companies exporting domestic agricultural products.

According to the investigation, the unlawful activity was organized by a chief of a directorate of the SSUFSCP. He engaged his subordinate, an inspector, in the criminal scheme.

In exchange for bribes, the officials promised farmers ‘unimpeded’ issuance of phytosanitary certificates of conformity for agricultural products.

The amount of the ‘tribute’ was USD 100 per truckload of goods.

If entrepreneurs refused to pay, the officials threatened to delay the bureaucratic procedures for obtaining permits.

The SSU documented two episodes of receiving illegal benefits by the suspects for ‘certifying’ 20 trucks with Ukrainian grain.

The law enforcement detained the organizer of the scheme on receiving the second part of the bribe.

The detained official has been 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).

Court is to decide on custody as a measure of restraint.

His accomplice will also be served a notice of suspicion.

The investigation is underway. The suspects are facing up to 10 years in prison.

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