Law enforcement officers have exposed and detained the chief engineer of one of the municipal enterprises of the Odessa City Council, who demanded $2,700 from a businesswoman for permission to install temporary commercial structures on the coast. This was reported by the Odessa regional police.
According to official information, a local businesswoman approached the official with the intention of obtaining a permit to install MAFs. In response, the official unequivocally hinted that there would be no positive decision without a "reward." He estimated the amount at $2,700.
The woman decided not to give in to pressure and contacted the police. Law enforcement officers promptly documented the fact of extortion and detained the man immediately after receiving the entire amount of the illegal gain. The money was seized as physical evidence.
Investigators informed the defendant of suspicion under Part 3 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine - receiving an unlawful benefit by an official, combined with extortion. Such a crime is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, with confiscation of property and a ban on holding office.
The court chose a preventive measure for the detainee - detention with the right to post bail in the amount of UAH 242,240.
The investigation is ongoing under the procedural guidance of the Black Sea District Prosecutor's Office. It is currently being determined whether the suspect acted independently or as part of a broader corruption scheme to distribute retail spaces on the Odessa coast.
