In Odesa, the Security Service of Ukraine and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau conducted a joint operation that revealed corrupt practices among judges.
As a result of comprehensive investigations, a local judge and a lawyer were apprehended for selling judicial decisions in the city.
It was discovered that the suspects offered the defendant in a civil case to negotiate with a judge from one of Odesa's district courts for a 'favorable' ruling.
The price for such a 'service' was set at $10,000.
According to case materials, the first part of the bribe was to be paid as an 'advance' before the hearing, while the second part was to be paid right before the court's decision.
SBU and NABU agents documented the criminals' actions and caught them 'in the act' - after the last part of the illicit payment was transferred.
Currently, the suspects have been notified of their suspicion under part 2 of Article 15, part 4 of Article 27, and part 3 of Article 369 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (completed attempt to incite the offer, promise, or provision of an unlawful benefit to an official).
The issue of choosing a preventive measure is being resolved. The investigation continues to hold all participants in the judicial machinations accountable.
The offenders face up to 8 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property.
The comprehensive measures were conducted under the procedural guidance of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office.