The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the Prosecutor General’s Office have dismantled a corruption scheme allegedly organized by Vladyslav Faliush, Deputy Head of the Khmelnytskyi Regional Military Administration. The official is accused of systematically demanding kickbacks from contractors in exchange for lucrative regional highway repair contracts.
According to investigators, the official demanded a fixed 5% kickback on the total value of each signed agreement. In return for these payments, he guaranteed road construction companies seamless contract approvals and the prompt allocation of regional budget funds. To execute the scheme, the official also recruited the head of a state-run infrastructure entity.
Operatives from the SBU’s Internal Security Directorate documented multiple stages of the illegal operation. Specifically, law enforcement intercepted communications revealing a deal between the deputy governor and a local contractor involving a 1.1 million UAH (approx. $28,000) bribe.
Key Investigative Findings: The suspect established a phased payment schedule for the bribe. The transfers were carried out in installments throughout June of this year under law enforcement surveillance, allowing investigators to gather solid evidence.
Based on the gathered evidence, key participants in the scheme have been officially served with notices of suspicion under the Criminal Code of Ukraine:
Part 3, Art. 368 — Acceptance of an offer, promise, or receipt of an improper advantage by an official.
Part 3, Art. 369 — Offer, promise, or provision of an improper advantage to an official.
If convicted, the suspects face significant prison sentences along with the confiscation of their assets. Investigative actions remain ongoing to establish the full scope of the scheme and identify any potential accomplices.