SBU eliminates corruption scheme related to "grain deal"
Offenders extorted money from exporters of Ukrainian agricultural products and threatened to delay bureaucratic procedures
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has dismantled a corruption scheme in the Main Department of the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection in Odesa Oblast. The participants in the scheme extorted money from representatives of companies exporting Ukrainian agricultural products under the "grain deal".
This was reported by the SBU press service on its Telegram channel.
"In exchange for bribes, grain traders were "guaranteed" unimpeded receipt of phytosanitary certificates of conformity for their products. If they refused to pay the 'tribute', they threatened to delay bureaucratic procedures as much as possible," the statement said.
SBU officers gradually documented two episodes of receiving almost 400,000 UAH by an intermediary engaged by officials to transfer bribes.
It is noted that the scheme participants demanded 40 US cents for each tonne of exported products. As part of the criminal proceedings, the SBU documented the transfer of another "deposit" to the intermediary.
He has been served a notice of suspicion under Part 3 Article 369-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (abuse of influence). The investigation is ongoing to establish all the circumstances of the crime and bring the perpetrators to justice.
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