The head of the district court in the Kharkiv region was informed of suspicion: according to the State Bureau of Investigation, he received a $2,000 bribe

The State Bureau of Investigation reported the suspicion to the head of the Berestyn District Court of the Kharkiv Region. According to the investigation, the judge received 2 thousand US dollars of illegal benefit for making a decision in favor of the applicant in a civil case.

This was reported by the press service of the State Bureau of Investigation.

According to the investigation, the judge received the bribe in his office. This is a civil case regarding the establishment of the fact of living in one family.

As law enforcement officers established, in February 2026, an investigator from one of the district police units of the Kharkiv Region turned to the head of the court. He asked to assist in obtaining a positive court decision for a resident of the region.

According to the State Bureau of Investigation, the judge agreed to help and explained in detail what documents should be attached to the statement of claim. In addition, he allegedly advised when to file a claim so that the case would reach him during automated distribution.

After that, according to the investigation, the judge received 2 thousand US dollars from the law enforcement officer. These funds, according to the investigators, were a reward for making a decision in favor of the applicant.

The State Bureau of Investigation also reported that before that, a resident of the Kharkiv region had contacted the police officer with a request to help resolve her issue through the court. According to the law enforcement officers, the investigator promised assistance for 5 thousand US dollars.

In March 2026, the State Bureau of Investigation detained the police officer. He was reported on suspicion of receiving illegal benefits, combined with extortion, as well as abuse of influence.

After conducting the necessary investigative actions and examinations, the law enforcement officers also announced suspicion to the head of the Berestyn District Court.

The judges incriminate the commission of a criminal offense provided for in Part 3 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – receiving an unlawful benefit by an official.

The sanction of the article provides for a penalty of imprisonment for a term of up to 10 years with deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities and confiscation of property.

Currently, the pre-trial investigation is ongoing. Procedural management in criminal proceedings is carried out by the Prosecutor General’s Office.