Poltava region: SSU detains criminal group that tried to bribe SSU officer

The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has arrested a criminal group that attempted to bribe an SBU officer for protection in conducting illegal business activities in the Poltava region. The criminal group started illegal logging in the Myrhorodskyi district in the autumn of 2022. They offered a bribe to the SBU officer to turn a blind eye to their illegal activities, but the officer refused and reported it to his superiors.

Subsequently, the Main Directorate of Internal Security of the SSU meticulously documented the actions of the criminal group to identify all participants involved in the illegal activities. The members of the criminal group are charged with crimes under three articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine:

• Part 4 of Article 246 (illegal felling or illegal transportation, storage, sale of timber);
• Part 1 and Part 3 of Article 369 (offering, promising, or giving illegal benefits to a public servant);
• and Part 3 of Article 368 (accepting an offer, promise, or receiving illegal benefits by a public servant).

Five individuals have been informed of the charges against them. The offenders could face imprisonment for a term of five to ten years, with the possibility of being banned from holding certain positions and confiscation of property.