Corruption Scheme Uncovered in Odesa Forestry
Under the supervision of the Specialized Environmental Prosecutor's Office of the Odesa Regional Prosecutor's Office, three officials from the Southern Interregional Department of Forestry and Hunting Management have been charged with receiving illegal benefits (Part 3, Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).
According to the investigation, two of the suspects, holding leadership positions, devised a corrupt scheme to systematically receive illegal benefits from individuals seeking to obtain hunting permits, which grant the right to hunt.
The officials developed a manipulation mechanism during the examination process for obtaining the permit.
To implement their plan, they involved members of the examination commission responsible for conducting tests and ensuring the desired results.
«Fee» for successfully passing the tests was set at 2000 UAH from each candidate. In total, the officials received over 100,000 UAH in illegal benefits. They were detained while receiving another tranche.
At the request of the prosecutor, they were placed under preventive measures - detention with an alternative to bail. Questions regarding their removal from office are being resolved.
The investigation continues, with efforts to identify others involved in the illegal scheme.
The pre-trial investigation is being conducted by the TDBR in Mykolaiv.
Note: According to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of committing a crime and cannot be subjected to criminal punishment until their guilt is proven in accordance with the law and established by a court verdict.
