Lieutenant colonel suspected in transfer-for-bribe scheme
In Ternopil region, the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) together with the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) exposed a lieutenant colonel of a law enforcement agency who, for $5,000, promised to influence the VLK and transfer a mobilized person to the rear. He was informed of the suspicion, and the court chose a preventive measure - detention.
As reported by the State Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday, May 27, the lieutenant colonel began developing a scheme for illegal enrichment in January 2026. The law enforcement officer then learned that the friend's father was serving in a combat unit and was trying to pass the military service due to his health.
The suspect had an idea to earn money, so he promised an acquaintance to help her father complete his military service quickly, the Western Region's specialized defense prosecutor's office reported. After a positive medical report, the serviceman could apply for transfer to a rear unit or one of the TCP in the Ternopil region.
For this service, the lieutenant colonel initially demanded 5 thousand dollars from the woman. This money was given to him by the relatives of the soldier. Later, he announced that it was necessary to add another 22 thousand UAH - supposedly for the purchase of equipment and first-aid kits. He explained that he would purchase these items for officials who would help make the necessary decision, and they would be transferred to military units.
A law enforcement officer was detained while receiving 22 thousand UAH in one of the parks of Ternopil. He was informed of suspicion under Part 3 of Article 369-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (obtaining unlawful benefit for influencing the decision-making of officials, combined with extortion). The sanction of the article provides for up to 8 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property.
We will remind, in the Kyiv region, a TCP officer will be tried for a bribe of $4,000.
