Pavlo Dobrov, the former acting head of the Kominternivskyi District Court in Odesa Region, has been sentenced to 7 years in prison for accepting an unlawful benefit. The verdict was handed down after prosecutors fully proved the former official’s guilt in a corruption scheme.
Investigators established that the official organized a mechanism to extract illegal remuneration from litigation participants. Law enforcement officers caught Pavlo Dobrov red-handed while receiving a bribe of nearly 50,000 UAH.
In exchange for these funds, the former judge promised a citizen to use his position to ensure a favorable ruling regarding a civil injunction. Additionally, he guaranteed the enforcement of a previously issued court order to subpoena necessary evidence and case materials.
After evaluating the evidence presented by the prosecution, the court found the former judge guilty under Part 3 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (acceptance of an offer, promise, or receipt of an unlawful benefit by an official holding a responsible position).
«The former judge was sentenced to 7 years of imprisonment with a 3-year ban on holding positions in state power and local self-government bodies, along with the confiscation of all property lawfully owned by him.»
This judicial decision represents another step in holding members of the judiciary accountable amid ongoing anti-corruption efforts in Ukraine. The asset confiscation covers all real estate, vehicles, and financial assets registered to the former magistrate.
Under Ukrainian procedural law, the verdict will enter into legal force upon the expiration of the deadline for filing an appeal, provided no appeal is lodged. The defense retains the right to challenge the decision in the court of appeal within the timeframe established by law.