The SBI exposed a corrupt scheme in the Zakarpattia service center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs

The SBI employees detained the Deputy Head of Unit of the Regional Service Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in the Zakarpattia region and his accomplice, a former law enforcement officer. Under martial law, they organized an illegal enrichment scheme in providing administrative services.

For a fee, the official "helped"  people to receive the services provided by the service center quickly and without any obstacles. In particular, he provided the issuance, exchange and confirmation of driver's licenses, registration of vehicles, and issuance and storage of license plates.

The mediator looked for interested customers. The price of their service was USD 100-200 per person.

On June 18, law enforcement officers caught the official and the mediator red-handed while receiving a bribe in the amount of USD 2.4 thousand for the issuance of certificates on confirmation of the international standard of driving license.

To drivers abroad, such certificates were issued in absentia, although drivers were required to receive such documents in person. This allowed military-age men to stay out of Ukraine and avoid being mobilized.

The detainees will be notified of the suspicion of receiving the illegal advantage of a large amount committed by a person who holds a responsible position (Part 3 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

The sanction of the article provides for a punishment of up to 10 years of imprisonment with deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities for up to 3 years, with confiscation of property.

Procedural guidance is provided by the Zakarpattia Regional Prosecutor's Office.