Ukraine’s security service arrests own officers over bribery

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) detained an intermediary and two deputy heads of regional SBU departments in the Kyiv and Rivne regions suspected of attempting to organise an illegal corruption scheme.

According to investigators, the organisers, acting through the intermediary, allegedly demanded a bribe of $620,000 from the head of a monopoly company operating in the amber trade. In return, they allegedly promised to terminate criminal proceedings against the company.

Investigators detained both organisers and the intermediary during the transfer of more than $270,000. During house searches, they also seized smartphones containing evidence of illegal activity.

The security service leadership emphasised that ridding the agency of corruption is one of its top priorities. If found guilty, the suspects face up to ten years in prison and confiscation of assets.

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