The SBI exposed large-scale scheme of extortions from exporters of "grain corridor" in Odesa region (VIDEO)

The SBI employees under the procedural guidance of the Prosecutor General's Office exposed a large-scale scheme of extortion by officials of the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection in Odesыa region.

State officials took bribes from business entities that export grain crops through the seaports of Odesa region along the so-called "grain corridor". Anyone who wanted to quickly and easily obtain a phytosanitary certificate and other permits had to pay a certain amount through mediators.

To conceal their illegal actions, the officials involved certain commercial enterprises, which under the guise of consultations and fumigation services to grain exporters acted as intermediaries in obtaining illegal benefits.

As part of the pre-trial investigation, a number of searches are being conducted at the places of work and residence of the persons involved in the criminal proceedings.

The money from illegal activities, documentary materials, as well as other items and things that will serve as evidence during the pre-trial investigation have already been seized.

It is planned to make a decision on serving a notice of suspicion to the officials involved in the transaction of accepting an offer, promise or receipt of unlawful benefit by an official (Part 3 of Art. 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

The sanction of the article provides for punishment in the form of imprisonment for up to 10 years with confiscation of property.

The investigation is ongoing.