The SBU detained a city hall official on bribery charges related to Starlink services

The Security Service of Ukraine has detained an official from one of Kherson’s city councils on suspicion of accepting bribes. According to the investigation, the official demanded kickbacks from a businessman who provided maintenance services for Starlink satellite stations.

This was reported by the SBU press service.

Law enforcement officials stated that the official was detained while receiving a bribe. Investigative actions are currently underway to establish all the circumstances of the case and identify any possible accomplices.

Details

"In exchange for bribes, the suspect guaranteed the businessman contracts for the performance of contract work in structural units and municipal institutions of the city council, particularly in kindergartens.

In exchange for signing the documents, the entrepreneur was to pay the official a 10% "kickback" of the total contract amount.

It has been documented that under these conditions, the official concluded five contracts with the contractor for the maintenance of Starlink terminals in two kindergartens, a library, the executive committee, and the city council’s culture department,” the statement reads.

At the same time, if the entrepreneur refused to pay the monthly bribes, the official threatened to terminate the relevant contracts. 

To conceal the "scheme," the contractor was required to transfer money to the bank account of the official’s live-in partner.

The official was caught red-handed during the transfer of a new tranche of bribes. 

The SBU conducted searches at the detainee’s workplace and residence, seizing computer equipment and smartphones containing evidence of the scheme.

He has been notified of charges under Part 3 of Article 369-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (abuse of influence). The official faces up to 8 years in prison with confiscation of property. 

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