10% for each repair: Mykolaiv police detained two officials from Kherson over a "kickback"

Mykolaiv law enforcement officers detained two officials of one of the state institutions of Kherson, who are suspected of systematically demanding “kickbacks” from an entrepreneur for repair and restoration works.

They are the head of the housing-maintenance department and the head of the department of operational funds of the same institution.

The scheme’s exposure was reported on 19 June 2026 by the Communications Department of the Mykolaiv Region Police.

The operation was carried out by investigators of the regional police headquarters with operational support from the Security Service of Ukraine directorate in the Kherson region and under the procedural supervision of the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office in the field of defense of the Southern Region.

According to the pre-trial investigation, the officials repeatedly demanded money from an entrepreneur who was carrying out repair and restoration works for the state institution.

The size of the illicit benefit allegedly amounted to 10% of the amount of each concluded contract.

In exchange for the transfer of part of the received funds, the suspects, according to law enforcement, promised the entrepreneur not to create obstacles during the conclusion of contracts and the acceptance of completed works.

In addition, the officials allegedly guaranteed further assistance in obtaining new contracts and help to the company when participating in future tenders.

In May 2026 the officials, according to the investigation, ensured the company’s victory in a tender for repair works and agreed on the terms of the future agreement.

After signing a contract in the amount of 205 thousand hryvnias the officials again demanded the transfer of part of the funds.

At first they allegedly demanded the scheme’s usual 10% of the total contract value. Later they set a specific amount of illicit benefit – 20 thousand hryvnias.

Law enforcement detained both suspects immediately after the transfer of the agreed sum.

The detention was carried out in accordance with Art. 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine.

Investigators, under the procedural guidance of the prosecutor’s office, informed the officials of suspicions on two counts of the criminal offense provided for by Part 3 of Art. 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

They are charged with public officials receiving illicit benefits for actions using their power and official position, by prior conspiracy of a group of persons, combined with extortion.

If found guilty, the suspects face up to 10 years imprisonment.

The court may also deprive them of the right to hold certain positions or engage in specified activities for up to 3 years and confiscate property.

The court is expected to decide on preventive measures for the suspects in the near future.

The pre-trial investigation continues. Law enforcement is establishing all circumstances of the case and checking other possible episodes of unlawful activity.

Earlier we wrote:

• Scandal in the National Police: top officials suspected of covering up porn offices
• Ukrainian corruption without prison: offenders were punished only with fines over four months
• Permits for hazardous work for bribes: scheme in the State Labor Service exposed in Mykolaiv region
• In Mykolaiv region, a military medical commission doctor demanded money from a wounded serviceman for “discharge”
• Soldiers held the defense, and money was demanded from them: a battalion commander was detained for taking a bribe