Food Safety Official Caught Taking Bribe in Fish

For $400 per car or a "thank you" in the form of fish, the suspect promised to ensure quick customs clearance of the products.

The First Deputy Head of the Northern Interregional Directorate of the State Food Safety Service was suspected of extortion and receiving a bribe.

This was reported by the Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office. The pre-trial investigation established that the official was contacted by an entrepreneur who transports fish and seafood to Ukraine to clarify the issue of customs clearance of these goods. 

He was informed about possible problems in obtaining the necessary documents. However, for $400 for each car or a “thank you” in the form of fish, the suspect promised to ensure quick customs clearance of the products. In the end, they agreed that it would be better to pay in cash.

During the investigation , it was documented that the official repeatedly received money for "assistance" in clearing customs of cars with fish and seafood. 

He was currently detained under Article 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine while receiving $1,200. The man asked to put the money under a book on his desk each time.

We remind you that the Appeals Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice will consider the appeal against Odarchenko's sentence.

We also wrote that the Supreme Court of Ukraine sentenced former People's Deputy Kryuchkov to 15 years in prison.