SSU exposes former Head of Western Interregional Department of Justice in corruption scandal

The Security Service of Ukraine has dismantled a corruption scheme within the Western Interregional Department of the Ministry of Justice.

This was reported by the SSU Telegram channel.

The former head of the interregional structure of the Ministry of Justice was involved in the scheme, having engaged several subordinates.

"At the time of uncovering the corruption scheme by SSU officers, he was the acting head of the institution," the SSU noted.

Officials from the Ministry of Justice offered debtors the closure of enforcement proceedings without paying court-ordered fees in exchange for bribes. A resident of Ivano-Frankivsk region was involved in transferring funds to the scheme.

"Subsequently, the participants divided the monetary rewards among themselves, and enforcement proceedings were closed under the pretext of 'full debt repayment'," added the SBU.

During searches conducted at the workplaces, residences, and in vehicles of the suspects, authorities discovered:

• Large amounts of cash, presumably obtained through criminal means.
• Materials related to enforcement proceedings, involving participants in the scheme.
• Mobile phones with evidence of illegal activities.

The former head of the Western Interregional Department of Justice has been charged under Article 368 Part 3 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine - acceptance of an offer, promise, or receipt of an unlawful benefit by an official.

Mediators have been notified of suspicion under Article 27 Part 5, Article 368 Part 3 - complicity in accepting an offer, promise, or receipt of an unlawful benefit by an official.

"Measures are being taken regarding the imposition of preventive measures against them. The investigation continues to hold all individuals involved in the corruption scheme accountable," the SSU concluded.