The SBU exposed a corruption scheme organized by former and current officials of the State GeoCadastre in Zaporizzhia region.

Allegedly, the offenders organized the illegal scheme of misappropriation of agricultural land plots.

With the “help” of former subordinates, the organizers searched for free land plots for their clients. Then, through a controlled licensee, they produced the necessary technical documentation. The offenders “guaranteed” businessmen unimpeded consideration and approval of documentation for the right to use, lease or change the purpose of land.

The SBU operatives also documented the fact of extortion of UAH 600.000 (USD 20.000) from a local businessman for the allocation of 28 hectares of agricultural land. The law enforcement officers detained one of the perpetrators in the center of Zaporizzhia city while receiving a part of a bribe in the amount of UAH 440.000 (USD 13.000).

During the searches of the offenders’ residences, the SBU seized draft records and computer equipment with the evidence of illegal activity.

Within the criminal proceedings upon the bribe-taking, the issues of serving the offender a notice of suspicion and choosing the type of detention are being resolved.

The investigation is ongoing to prosecute all those involved in the scheme, including officials of the State GeoCadastre.

The operation was conducted jointly with the investigators of the Main Department of the National Police in Zaporizzhia region under the procedural supervision of the Prosecutor's Office.