Officials of the Western Department of the State Migration Service were detained for a bribery scheme related to document processing

Officials of the Western Department of the State Migration Service were detained for a bribery scheme related to document processing

In Prykarpattia, officials of the Western Interregional Department of the State Migration Service of Ukraine were exposed for demanding and receiving undue benefits from foreigners.

Under the procedural guidance of the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Prosecutor’s Office, suspicion has been notified to the head of the SMS department, his subordinate, and an intermediary.

According to the investigation, the head organized a scheme to "earn" money by processing permits and residence certificates for foreigners to extend their stay in Ukraine. He involved his subordinate and a civilian person, who transferred money from clients, in the illegal activity.

Law enforcement officers documented multiple instances of extortion and receipt of funds from five foreigners. The total amount of bribes exceeds 150,000 hryvnias.

The suspects were detained after receiving another undue benefit. During searches at their workplaces and residences, evidence of the crime was seized. The court imposed a preventive measure in the form of detention on all suspects, and their property was seized. The pre-trial investigation is being conducted by investigators of the State Bureau of Investigation.