21.5 million UAH were brought to Ukraine by paid cameras in pre-trial detention centers

Since May 2020, when the government launched the experimental project of paid cells in pre-trial detention centers (SIZO), nearly 21.5 million hryvnias have been received into the special fund of the Ministry of Justice through this service. This was reported by Deputy Minister of Justice of Ukraine for Digital Development, Digital Transformation, and Digitalization, Serhiy Orlov.

The service allows detainees to receive improved living conditions in investigative isolators. The initiative aims to reduce the level of corruption, as the money for better conditions goes to the state budget.

"We introduced this service somewhat as a joke, but it is also popular. Some of the funds came from the purchase of gift certificates. That is, someone can buy a gift certificate on the Ministry of Justice's website," said Serhiy Orlov.

The cost of a paid cell in SIZO can vary depending on the specific SIZO. The price for the service per day can start from 290 hryvnias and go up to around 2000 hryvnias per day. The Ministry of Justice often offers discounts, so prices are subject to change. You can find the price list on the Ministry's website under the "Penitentiary Service of Ukraine" section.

"The entire price list is available on the Ministry of Justice's website, on a special resource where you can book such a cell, and discounts apply there. If it's a purchase for a week or a month, the cost is somewhat lower than when taken on a daily basis," Orlov noted.

Payment for a gift certificate for providing improved living conditions and meals for persons taken into custody is also gaining popularity, according to the department.