The Security Service of Ukraine and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau conducted a joint operation aimed at dismantling corrupt practices within the judiciary in Odesa.
The investigation revealed that a local judge and a lawyer were involved in the sale of judicial decisions in the port city.
According to the findings, the suspects approached a defendant in a civil case, offering to arrange a favorable ruling from a district court judge.
The price for this 'service' was set at $10,000.
As per the case materials, the defendant was to pay the first part of the bribe as an 'advance' before the hearing and the second part right before the ruling was made.
SBU and NABU operatives documented the criminal activities of the organizers and caught them 'red-handed' after the final payment was made.
Currently, the suspects have been notified of suspicion under part 2 of article 15, part 4 of article 27, part 3 of article 369 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (attempt to incite bribery).
The issue of choosing a preventive measure is being resolved. The investigation continues to hold all participants in these judicial machinations accountable.
The perpetrators face up to 8 years in prison with asset confiscation.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office.