Two deputies of local councils of Lviv region found themselves at the center of a high-profile corruption scandal. They were informed of suspicion of bribery: one of them received an illegal benefit (Part 4 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code), and the other provided it (Part 3 of Article 369 of the Criminal Code).
How did the scheme work?
The investigation established that one of the deputies, who simultaneously held the position of head of a city council department, organized a scheme to receive "kickbacks" for concluding contracts for the purchase of goods and services. The size of the "commission" was from 5 to 10% of the value of the contracts.
His colleague, a deputy of another city council, who is an individual entrepreneur, was also involved in this scheme. He transferred funds to the official, ensuring that the "right" companies won tenders.
Investigators documented the transfer of over 800 thousand hryvnias of illicit benefits.
Search results
During the searches, law enforcement officers seized:
- over 1.6 million hryvnias,
- more than 14 thousand US dollars,
- 2.5 thousand euros,
- car,
- dozens of bank cards and other evidence confirming corrupt activities.
One of the suspects has been taken into custody. The issue of choosing a preventive measure in the form of detention is being decided for the second one.
This case once again demonstrates how deeply corruption penetrates local authorities, undermining public trust and damaging the state budget. Whether this case will become a signal for stricter control over public procurement - time will tell.
