Extortion of $1 million: investigation against three former heads of economic courts completed
17 November 14:19
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office have announced the completion of a pre-trial investigation into the extortion of more than $1 million by three former chairmen of economic courts in one of the regions. According to the Bureau, the case file was opened to the defense for review, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
According to NABU detectives, former high-ranking officials of the judiciary offered the entrepreneur to “solve” several cases in the Economic Court of Appeal for USD 1 million.
This meant making favorable decisions in cases where the businessman was a party. The defendants planned to divide the amount among themselves depending on the role and “contribution” of each.
A judge of the Commercial Court of Appeal was also involved in the scheme. According to the investigation, it was she who issued one of the ordered decisions for a fee.
75 thousand dollars – under the control of the NABU
The detectives documented the transfer of a part of the bribe – USD 75 thousand.
During the investigation, part of this money was found in the possession of the judge who made the “necessary” decision, which became one of the key evidence in the case.
Legal qualifications
The defendants were notified of suspicion under several articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine
Judge who made a decision for money:
- ч. 4 of Art. 368 – obtaining undue advantage by an official.
Two former heads of courts:
- ч. 4 Art. 189 – extortion,
- ч. 3 Art. 27, Part 4 Art. 368 – organization of obtaining undue advantage,
- ч. 2 of Art. 28, Part 2 of Art. 369-2 – committing a crime by prior conspiracy and abuse of influence.
Another defendant:
- ч. 5 Art. 27, Art. 368, Part 4, Art. 369-2 – aiding and abetting and participation in the scheme of abuse of influence.
After the defense has familiarized itself with the materials, the case will be referred to the court, which will make a decision on the merits.
