SBU exposed the deputy chairman of the Odessa regional council for extorting $50,000 for a construction permit

The Security Service of Ukraine reported the exposure of one of the deputy heads of the Odessa Regional Council, who is suspected of organizing a scheme to extort illegal profits from a local entrepreneur. According to the investigation, the official demanded 50 thousand US dollars for assistance in obtaining permits for the construction of a cottage town near one of the port cities of the Odessa region.

According to the SBU, in case of refusal to transfer funds, the entrepreneur was threatened with artificially creating obstacles and delaying the procedure for processing the necessary documentation.

According to law enforcement officers, to implement the illegal scheme, the official involved the secretary of one of the settlement councils of the Odessa district and the head of an engineering company, who, according to the investigation, helped organize the transfer of funds and prepare documents.

SBU officers documented the actions of the defendants and detained them after receiving the first part of the illegal profit in the amount of 10 thousand US dollars.

During searches of the suspects’ residences, law enforcement officers seized documents, electronic media, and other physical evidence that, according to the investigation, confirm their involvement in illegal activities.

The deputy head of the Odessa Regional Council has now been notified of the suspicion. Law enforcement officers are also considering whether to notify other participants in the alleged corruption scheme of the suspicion.

The pre-trial investigation is ongoing. The court will provide a final legal assessment of the actions of all those involved.