The Security Service of Ukraine, in collaboration with the National Anti-Corruption Bureau, has conducted an operation aimed at combating corruption in Odesa.
As a result of the investigation, a local judge and a lawyer were found to be involved in the sale of judicial rulings.
According to the case materials, the suspects offered the defendant in a civil case a deal with a judge from one of Odesa's district courts to obtain the desired ruling.
The cost of such a “service” was set at 10,000 US dollars.
The defendant was supposed to pay part of the bribe as an “advance” before the hearing and the remainder just before the decision was made.
SBU and NABU employees documented the criminals' actions and apprehended them in the act after the final bribe was handed over.
Currently, the suspects have been charged under several articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine related to attempted bribery of a public official.
The question of choosing a preventive measure is being resolved. The investigation continues to hold all participants accountable.
The perpetrators face up to 8 years in prison with asset confiscation.
The operation was conducted under the procedural guidance of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office.