Former forestry official suspected over $25,000 bribe
The former head of the Southern Interregional Forestry and Hunting Department is suspected of extorting $25,000. According to the investigation, for this money he promised to help the hunting organization obtain the use of 13,000 hectares of land in the Odessa region.
According to the State Bureau of Investigation, the official demanded $25,000 from the regional organization of the Ukrainian Society of Hunters and Fishermen for assistance in providing the use of 13,000 hectares of hunting grounds in the Odessa region. The plots were under the jurisdiction of the State Enterprise "Forests of Ukraine". The man assured that he would be able to "resolve the issue" at all levels in favor of the organization.
The SBI added that the former head of the department was dismissed from his post and reported on suspicion under Part 4 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The sanction of the article provides for up to 12 years of imprisonment.
Law enforcement officers are currently investigating the involvement of other officials in this transaction, the prosecutor's office noted.
We remind you that the former director of the Lymansky Forestry Farm is suspected of overpayment.
We also reported that the head of the Sarna Forestry Department is suspected of bribery.
