The Deputy Director of the Environmental Safety Department of JSC “Ukrzaliznytsia” demanded one hundred thousand US dollars from a representative of a granite production company in Khmelnytskyi region. This money was intended to “resolve the issue” of dismantling and decommissioning a railway track that was hindering the expansion of production.
The scheme involved initiating a “seasonal bypass” so that a commission would declare the track unprofitable, followed by its dismantling and decommissioning. It was also planned to transfer the section under the track to the community for quarry needs. The official assured that the procedure was complex and required approvals from the management of “UZ”, the Ministry of Infrastructure, and relevant departments. He promised to organise the entire process “turnkey” within 3-6 months, citing experience with similar work on the Lviv railway.
He was detained at the moment of receiving the money. During a personal search, cash and a handwritten receipt were seized. Searches were also conducted at his home, workplace, and in his car. He is suspected under part 4 of article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine: receiving undue benefit in an especially large amount. From 8 to 12 years with confiscation of property. A motion for detention has been submitted to the court. The investigation is ongoing, with other possible episodes and involved persons being checked.
Source: SpecprokuraturaZahidRegion