Lawyer detained in Odesa for demanding $315,000 to drop case

SBU and SBI jointly uncover scheme to extract funds

The Main Directorate of Internal Security of the SBU, together with the State Bureau of Investigation, uncovered a scheme in Odesa. A lawyer who promised to "resolve the issue" regarding a criminal case was detained while receiving the full agreed-upon sum.

Promise to close case cost $315,000

According to the investigation, the lawyer approached a defendant in the criminal case — the president of a local charitable foundation. He offered to secure the termination of the investigation for a significant fee. The lawyer valued his services at $315,000.

Detention during money transfer

Law enforcement officers recorded the moment when the suspect received the full agreed-upon amount. He was detained at that time.

Charge of attempted fraud

The lawyer was notified of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 15 and Part 5 of Article 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. He is charged with a completed attempt to appropriate another person's property by deception on an especially large scale.

Under current legislation, the penalty for this offence provides for imprisonment for up to 12 years with confiscation of property.