Kharkiv State Service official caught demanding bribes

According to the investigation, a 38-year-old chief specialist of one of the district departments of the State Service for Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection in the Kharkiv region demanded money for registering enterprises. In total, he received 20,200 hryvnias for his "services".

This was reported to the regional prosecutor's office.

According to the investigation, in May 2025, the suspect was contacted by an acquaintance who was looking for information about the state registration of production facilities. During the meeting, the man asked about the procedure for five business entities whose interests he represented. In return, the suspect, abusing his official position, demanded 4,200 hryvnias for the registration of each enterprise and informed him what documents needed to be sent to him. At the same time, he informed him of the refusal to register if the requirements were not met.

The business representative agreed to illegal conditions to avoid problems, the report said.

He sent documents via messengers, and in return received details for transferring money and sent 4,200 UAH for one individual entrepreneur. In September, the employee received another 4,000 UAH for a second entrepreneur and 12,000 for three other business entities. Later, the chief specialist confirmed that positive decisions had been made.

The official was informed of the suspicion under Part 3 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code and is being held in custody. The issue of his removal from office is currently being resolved. If the man is proven guilty, he faces up to 10 years in prison with deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities for a term of up to three years, with confiscation of property.

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