In Odessa, a soldier is suspected of demanding $23,000 in exchange for influencing the decision of the Medical Examination Commission
In the Odesa region, law enforcement officers have charged a serviceman from one of the military units with abuse of influence.
According to the investigation, the 33-year-old officer offered to help a fellow serviceman pass a military medical examination and obtain medical reports that could serve as grounds for declaring him unfit for further military service.
Investigators established that the man claimed to have influence over officials on the military medical board and promised to ensure the relevant decision was made. He demanded US$23,000 for his services.
Law enforcement officers detained the suspect whilst he was receiving the unlawful benefit. During the investigation, cash, a mobile phone and a car were seized. Investigators are also seeking to have the seized property frozen.
On the basis of the evidence gathered, the man was informed that he was suspected of receiving an unlawful benefit for himself by influencing the decision-making of a person authorised to perform state functions, combined with the extortion of such a benefit.
The court imposed a preventive measure on the suspect in the form of round-the-clock house arrest.
In accordance with the penalty provided for in Part 3 of Article 369-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, he faces up to eight years’ imprisonment with confiscation of property.
The pre-trial investigation is ongoing. Law enforcement officers are establishing all the circumstances of the case and identifying the circle of persons who may be involved in the offence.
The proceedings are being supervised by the Odesa Specialised Prosecutor’s Office for the Southern Region.
In accordance with Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
