Law enforcement officials have apprehended a member of a local council in the Odesa district for bribery. The suspect demanded 10,000 hryvnias in illegal benefits from the HOA chairman for carrying out property improvement work. This offense carries significant legal consequences.

The crime was uncovered by police investigators in collaboration with the Security Service of Ukraine. Authorities learned that an HOA leader approached a deputy head of the local council, who suggested resolving the issue without a contract but in exchange for money.

For trimming bushes and cleaning debris, the offender demanded 10,000 hryvnias, threatening that no municipal services would be provided if his demands were not met.

The police arrested him after he accepted the bribe.

“We gathered sufficient evidence and informed the suspect of the charges for receiving illegal benefits, which can lead to up to 10 years in prison and a ban on holding certain positions. The court has chosen a preventive measure of detention with the possibility of bail. The investigation is ongoing,” said investigator Yuliya Bondarenko.