A judge and a lawyer in Odesa were exposed for alleged bribery and influence peddling
The Security Service of Ukraine, together with the National Anti-Corruption Bureau, exposed a judge and a lawyer in Odesa suspected of demanding a bribe for influencing a court decision. The suspects were detained after receiving the final tranche of unlawful benefits.
Operatives conducted an operation to stop dishonest judicial practices in the region. According to the investigation, the judge and lawyer approached a defendant in a civil case offering to “resolve” the court’s decision in their favor. The cost of such “services” was $10,000, with part of the sum to be paid in advance before the case hearing, and the rest after the court’s decision. The culprits were caught in the act during the transfer of the last part of the funds.
Both suspects received notices of suspicion for a completed attempt to incite undue benefit to an official. If their guilt is proven, they face up to eight years in prison. Currently, the issue of choosing a preventive measure is being decided.
This case highlights the seriousness of the corruption problem in the Ukrainian judicial system. Recall that on June 11, a judge of the Kyiv District Administrative Court was sentenced to 5.5 years imprisonment for receiving a bribe.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 11 | A judge of the Kyiv District Administrative Court was sentenced for bribery |
| November 2 | A judge in the Ivano-Frankivsk region was accused of a fatal accident |
