10 thousand dollars for influence on the investigation: an attempt to bribe an ESBU detective was documented in Odesa

 Detectives of the Territorial Office of the ESBU in Odesa region documented an attempt to provide an undue advantage to an ESBU employee. For USD 10,000, the perpetrator attempted to influence the course of a pre-trial investigation in criminal proceedings regarding the illegal organization of gambling.

This fact served as further confirmation that the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine's systemic fight against the illegal gambling market creates real pressure on shadow businesses.

Over the past year alone in Odesa, the ESBU shut down the activities of 66 illegal gambling halls and seized 21 premises used for gambling operations. Additionally, the owners of 17 properties terminated their lease agreements, making the further operation of the illegal businesses impossible. This forces the organizers of illegal schemes to resort to bribery attempts and pressure on the investigation.

Instead of complying with the law, the suspects are attempting to "strike deals" with detectives. Specifically, the discussions involved revoking the notice of suspicion for one participant in the proceedings and changing the legal classification of the actions for another. The fact of the bribe offer has been documented in accordance with the procedure established by law.

The individual has been notified of suspicion under Part 3 of Article 369 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (offering an undue advantage to an official holding a responsible position). The indictment has already been referred to court. The sanction of this article provides for punishment, including imprisonment for a term of up to 8 years.

At the same time, the bribery attempt did not affect the course of the main case. The indictment against the two organizers of the illegal «online poker» and the legalization of over UAH 12.3 million has already been referred to court.

The Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine emphasizes: no attempts at bribery or pressure on detectives will change the Bureau's principled position. Every such instance will have legal consequences, and the fight against shadow markets will continue until they are completely eliminated.