New corruption scheme in MVS Service Centres

A routine visit to an MVS Service Centre led to the discovery of a new corruption scheme related to service payments. A problem has arisen in some branches of banks operating exclusively within these centres, raising questions among citizens.

Cash-only payments: a hidden scheme

According to visitors, at bank branches operating in Service Centres, such as "Krystalbank" at 8 P. Usenka Street, it is impossible to pay for services by card — cash only. Bank employees openly state that they do not have the technical capability to accept cards because their branches lack terminals. If a client does not have cash, they are offered to withdraw money from their card for a commission of 2–2.5% of the amount. This money is then used to pay for the services.

The scheme benefits only monopolists

This situation is baffling: in reality, the client is forced to use the only payment method through a bank-monopolist, which in turn charges a commission for cash withdrawals. Thus, the corrupt "scheme" becomes not only inconvenient for citizens but also profitable for banks, which skim an additional 2–2.5% from the client.

Refusal to participate is the only way to change the situation

The key problem lies in the lack of alternatives. If one attempts to pay for services bypassing the "scheme", for example, using a card, Service Centre staff often react aggressively and inappropriately. All of this leads to the creation of a corrupt "feeding trough" for banks and Service Centre management.

According to information from journalist Yevhen Plynsky