The Office of the Prosecutor General announced the apprehension of the head of a communal organization within the Kyiv City State Administration. He requested UAH 1.2 million to finalize a deal with a firm that succeeded in a bid worth UAH 8.29 million.
In Kyiv, the director of a public service entity was arrested concerning a “payoff” scheme for executing an agreement with an enterprise that prevailed in a public competition, totaling 10-15% of the contract price of 1,198,000 hryvnias, at the time of payment, as reported by Attorney General Ruslan Kravchenko on Friday through social media, UNN details.
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“When a legitimately secured tender turns into grounds for extortion. The company fairly succeeded in the state auction, yet funds were solicited from them for the entitlement to fulfill it,” Kravchenko stated.
According to the Public Prosecutor, the open procurement process advertised by the municipal non-profit institution of the executive body of the Kyiv City Council (KCSA), specifically KNP “Educational Agency of the City of Kyiv,” was won by a private sector entity. The purpose of the bidding was the acquisition of pedagogical resources valued at UAH 8.29 million. The process took place publicly.
“And then – something that is familiar to businesses, but is seldom discussed openly. Following the selection of the victor, the manager of the utility initiated a private meeting with representatives of the firm. Not for the purpose of discussing supply conditions, nor to clarify technological elements. At this encounter, a clear demand was issued: to sign the accord and ensure there were no fabricated impediments in the payment process, a remittance of 10-15% of the deal’s value was required. Specifically, 1,198,000 hryvnias,” Kravchenko revealed.
The instances of coercion were documented within the confidential investigative records. The executive of the public service was taken into custody during the transaction of this sum.
– the Attorney General highlighted.
As per his account, the matter of selecting a preventative measure is under consideration.
For me, one aspect is paramount in this issue. Corruption presently often manifests not as a “pre-arranged kickback,” but rather as pressure following a justly won bidding process. When a business person is made aware: either you compensate, or the framework will generate obstacles for you. An official possesses no entitlement to exchange endorsements and fiscal settlements. If a business decides to operate fairly, the government bears the responsibility to safeguard their choice. Let’s continue progressing.
– Kravchenko underscored.