A suspect offered two soldiers who left their unit without permission to «resolve their return» for 45,000 hryvnias. The investigation revealed that a 37-year-old deputy commander for psychological support at a military unit in Odesa promised to help the soldiers reinstate their service, assuring them of positions and immunity from criminal prosecution for desertion.
According to the suspect's claims, he could influence officials in the prosecutor's office and the military unit's leadership.
For his «assistance», he demanded a total of 45,000 hryvnias from the soldiers and threatened them with consequences if they did not pay.
Law enforcement detained him while he was receiving the bribe. Investigators have charged him under Part 3 of Article 369-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine for receiving illegal benefits for influencing a state official’s decision.
The maximum punishment he faces is eight years in prison with asset confiscation. The court has chosen to hold him in custody with the right to post bail of 242,240 hryvnias.
The preliminary investigation is ongoing.
Measures to uncover the crime were conducted by investigators from the Odesa District Police Department No. 1 together with SBU officers.