Vinnytsia inspectors suspected of certificate fraud
In Vinnytsia region, five employees of the State Service for Food and Consumer Protection were reported on suspicion of falsifying phytosanitary certificates. One of the inspectors is also suspected of receiving more than 20 thousand hryvnias in bribes.
This was reported by the Vinnytsia Regional Prosecutor's Office.
According to the investigation, since the beginning of 2026, officials have been entering false data into the automated phytosanitary control system. This concerns information regarding inspections and the selection of samples for examination.
In reality, no inspections were carried out, and based on the entered data, falsified phytosanitary certificates were issued to business entities without actually carrying out the prescribed control procedures.
In addition, according to the investigation, one of the suspects received an illegal benefit for the processing and issuance of certificates. The total amount of bribes mentioned in the case materials exceeds 20 thousand hryvnias.
He is additionally charged with receiving unlawful benefit under Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The actions of the officials were qualified under articles on unauthorized alteration of information in automated systems and official forgery.
The sanctions of the incriminated articles provide for three to ten years of imprisonment, depending on the degree of guilt and the qualification of the crime. The issue of choosing preventive measures for the suspects and their removal from office is currently being decided.
It was previously reported that the SSU military counterintelligence, together with the Bureau of Economic Security, exposed a scheme to embezzle budget funds during the implementation of a defense order in the Zhytomyr region.
