SBI detained police chief for monthly "tribute" from subordinates

SBI officers detained the head of one of the security police units of Dnipropetrovsk region. The official is suspected of organizing systematic extortion from more than 100 subordinates.

According to the State Bureau of Investigation, the scheme operated for about a year. Police officers had to transfer from 3 to 8 thousand hryvnias from their salary and bonuses to the leadership every month.

In total, the unit's leaders received over 300 thousand hryvnias monthly. Subordinates who refused to pay could have their bonuses reduced or not receive annual material assistance.

Investigators documented dozens of cases of money transfers. During searches, over 300 thousand hryvnias in national and foreign currency, bank cards, phones and documents were seized.

The unit head was detained on August 8 while attempting to cross the state border of Ukraine. The court placed him in custody with the possibility of posting bail of 1.164 million hryvnias.

Earlier, suspicions in this case were served to the deputy head of the unit, a company commander and his deputy. All four defendants are charged with receiving unlawful benefit, combined with extortion. The investigation is ongoing.

Source: State Bureau of Investigation