The Ternopil District Council found itself under the shadow of a corruption scandal, when a deputy and his lawyer were found to be involved in demanding a bribe of 300,000 dollars for solving a "land" issue. A criminal case was opened based on this fact, and the law enforcement officers announced suspicion.
According to the information of the Security Service and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau, the deputy of the Ternopil District Council, who is the deputy head of the local territorial community, together with his lawyer demanded a bribe in the amount of 300,000 dollars from a Ukrainian investor. The investor expressed a desire to purchase an agricultural company in the territory of Ternopil Region, but faced a demand for a high bribe for a promise to provide assistance in resolving land issues.
It is noted that during this corruption scenario, the current owner of the enterprise was also discovered, who offered the buyer to bribe the judge, deputy and his lawyer. The purpose of these actions is the final transfer of the enterprise's land into private ownership.
The deputy of the district council was charged with accepting a bribe, and the lawyer was accused of receiving an illegal benefit. Also, the head of the agricultural enterprise was informed of suspicion for offering an illegal benefit to an official.
All suspects may face up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.
