For 45 thousand hryvnias, an individual in a military unit promised two soldiers who deserted to «resolve the issue» of their return to service. The suspect has been charged. He faces up to eight years in prison with asset confiscation.
According to the investigation, a 37-year-old deputy commander for psychological support in a military unit in Odesa guaranteed two servicemen, who left their post, assistance in reinstatement, promising them positions and immunity from criminal charges for desertion.
The accused claimed he could influence prosecutors and military leadership to resolve these matters.
In exchange for his «help», he demanded a total of 45,000 hryvnias from the soldiers, threatening them with the inability to return to service and criminal prosecution if they refused to pay.
Law enforcement arrested the official during the bribery transaction. Currently, investigators have charged him under part 3 of article 369-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine for receiving illegal benefits for influencing state decisions.
The maximum penalty for the offender is eight years in prison with asset confiscation. The court has placed him in custody with the option of bail set at 242,240 hryvnias.
The investigation is ongoing.
The crime was uncovered by investigators from police station No. 3 of the Odesa district police in cooperation with the military counterintelligence department of the SBU under the guidance of the specialized military prosecutor's office.