Under the oversight of the Specialized Environmental Prosecutor's Office of the Odessa Regional Prosecutor's Office, three officials from the Southern Interregional Department of Forestry and Hunting have been charged with receiving unlawful benefits (Part 3 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

According to the investigation, two of the suspects, while holding leadership positions, established a corrupt scheme to systematically obtain illegal benefits from individuals seeking hunting permits.

The officials devised a manipulation mechanism during the examination process for obtaining permits.

To implement this plan, they involved members of the examination commission responsible for administering the tests and ensuring desired outcomes.

 «The fee» for successfully passing the tests was set at 2000 UAH per candidate. Overall, the officials obtained over 100,000 UAH in illegal benefits. They were arrested while receiving another payment.

At the prosecutor's request, they were placed under preventive measures - detention with an alternative to bail. Questions regarding their suspension from office are being addressed.

The investigation is ongoing, and other individuals involved in the illegal scheme are being identified.

Pre-trial investigations are being conducted by the TDBR in Mykolaiv.

 

Note: According to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a lawful manner by a court verdict.