In the Lviv region, law enforcement officers have detained two officials from the Mykolaiv City Council on suspicion of extorting bribes. The suspects include Deputy Mayor Illia Terekh and the council’s chief accountant, Ella Kulchytska-Kostyk.
According to ZAXID.NET, citing the National Police’s Department of Strategic Investigations, the officials demanded kickbacks from a local entrepreneur. In exchange, they promised not to create artificial obstacles in the supply of goods and ensured timely payment of invoices.
On January 3, the chief accountant was apprehended while receiving the second installment of the bribe, amounting to 17,000 UAH. Investigators believe these funds were intended for the deputy mayor.
Authorities report that the funds were demanded to facilitate uninterrupted business operations. The chief accountant was caught red-handed during the handover of part of the agreed sum.
Currently, the suspects are being served notices of suspicion, and preventive measures are being determined.
Journalists attempted to contact Mykolaiv Mayor Andrii Shchebel for a comment, but he has not responded to calls.