NABU and SAP expose bribery scheme in Ternopil region tax office
NABU and SAP have exposed two officials of the Main Directorate of the State Tax Service in Ternopil Oblast, who are suspected of systematically extorting and receiving bribes from local companies. According to the investigation, they received €75 thousand for reducing fines after tax audits, and demanded money from another company for VAT refunds.
This was reported by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office.
According to the investigation, the scheme was organized by the deputy head of the regional tax service department and the head of one of its territorial divisions.
NABU claims that during tax audits, officials allegedly found multi-million violations in enterprises, after which they offered, for a reward, to significantly reduce the fines that were entered into official documents.
During the spring and summer of 2026, according to anti-corruption agencies, the officials received a total of €75 thousand in unlawful benefits from a representative of two enterprises.
The investigation also established another episode related to budget VAT refunds.
According to NABU, in June, the tax officials demanded a 11.5% "kickback" from a third company for unhindered VAT refund of over 14.6 million UAH.
SAP in its report notes that it concerned a demand to provide 1.8 million UAH in unlawful benefit for budget VAT refund and registration of previously suspended tax invoices.
On September 9, immediately after the money was transferred through an intermediary, the two officials were detained under Article 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
The deputy head of the Main Directorate of the State Tax Service in Ternopil Oblast was notified of suspicion under Part 4 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Her subordinate, according to SAP, is charged with aiding in receiving unlawful benefit - Part 5 of Article 27 and Part 4 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
Investigators are also checking the possible involvement of other officials of the Main Directorate of the State Tax Service in Ternopil Oblast.
The pre-trial investigation is ongoing. According to the Constitution of Ukraine, persons are presumed innocent until their guilt is proven in accordance with the procedure established by law and established by a court conviction.
