Tax officials who demanded bribes amounting to millions were exposed in the Ternopil region
Two tax officials in the Ternopil region demanded bribes from business representatives in exchange for reducing penalties and expediting VAT refunds. They were unable to complete one of the illegal schemes because law enforcement officers apprehended the suspects while they were receiving the money.
How Tax Officials Profited from Audits
According to the investigation, the deputy head of the Main Directorate of the State Tax Service in the Ternopil region and the head of one of its territorial divisions set up a scheme to enrich themselves through tax audits.
The officials “discovered” alleged violations worth millions at the companies. In exchange, they offered to significantly reduce the amounts of penalties in official documents—in return for a bribe.
During the spring and summer of 2026, the perpetrators received illicit benefits totaling 75,000 euros from a representative of two companies.
They Demanded 11.5% for a VAT Refund
In June, tax officials demanded an “kickback” of 11.5% from another company—in exchange for unimpeded budget reimbursement of VAT totaling over 14.6 million hryvnias.
It was during this very scheme that the perpetrators were exposed. The money was transferred through an intermediary, and at that moment, law enforcement officials documented the crime.
What the suspects face
The deputy head of the State Tax Service’s Main Directorate in the Ternopil region and her subordinate were detained in accordance with Article 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine.
They were notified of their status as suspects under Part 4 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
Investigators are examining whether other officials of the State Tax Service Main Directorate in the Ternopil region were involved in the crime.
This was reported by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine.
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