In Odesa region, customs officer created artificial obstacles for citizens to take bribes

Law enforcement authorities in the Odessa region have arrested a customs officer who was receiving bribes in the amount of 600 US dollars in exchange for allowing individuals to pass through the "Starokozache - Tudora" checkpoint. This was reported by the Main Directorate of the National Police in the Odessa region.

During the pre-trial investigation, it was established that the official was demanding money from citizens ranging from 100 to 600 US dollars for processing documents to facilitate their border crossings, even though he artificially created obstacles for them. The amount of the bribe varied based on the financial capabilities of the individuals.

The customs officer was arrested immediately after receiving an unlawful benefit of 600 US dollars from a resident of the Odessa region who was involved in transporting vehicles. During the search, law enforcement officers confiscated the unlawfully obtained money, recordings from dash cameras, and official documentation, all of which are of interest to the investigation.

With sufficient evidence collected by the authorities, the customs officer has been informed of suspicion under Article 368, Part 3 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, specifically for obtaining an unlawful benefit for oneself as a public official for not performing actions in the interest of the person offering the unlawful benefit, involving the use of their official position, combined with the demand for an unlawful benefit. He has been placed in custody.

The customs officer now faces a prison sentence ranging from five to ten years, with the possibility of being deprived of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities for up to three years, along with the confiscation of property.