Case description
The HACC found the former head of the Investigation Department of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Sumy Region, Roman Shevchenko, and lawyer Yevhen Rudniev guilty of accepting a $5,000 bribe.
During the investigation of a workplace accident in which an employee was injured due to safety violations, Roman Shevchenko, acting at the scene as the head of the pre-trial investigation, knowingly used his official position to solicit a bribe.
He informed the company director that a criminal investigation would soon be launched regarding occupational safety violations, which could lead to the seizure of company property and other measures that would paralyze operations.
Shevchenko then demanded $10,000 from the company director in exchange for not initiating criminal proceedings and ensuring the case would be closed. He stated that part of the money would be passed on to senior officials of the relevant law enforcement agency.
Later, Shevchenko informed the company director that, with his leadership’s approval, the bribe could be reduced to $8,000 and arranged a meeting to discuss further details.
To facilitate the transfer of funds, Shevchenko enlisted lawyer Yevhen Rudniev, who agreed to assist in implementing the scheme by advising the company director and coordinating the next steps.
To avoid documentation of the bribe, it was agreed that the money would be transferred in parts through the lawyer — first $5,000 and the remaining $3,000 after the case was closed. While implementing this plan, the lawyer received the first installment, which he was to deliver to Shevchenko and police leadership.
The defense claimed that the defendants were not guilty. Shevchenko denied knowing the other parties involved and asserted he had received no illegal offers or requests. He claimed that his interactions with the company representatives and the lawyer were conducted strictly within legal procedural frameworks.
The defense also argued that all contacts with others occurred solely within the scope of their official duties and were initiated by parties attempting to influence the investigation. The defendants neither initiated nor facilitated any unlawful actions, and instead acted in accordance with the law, consulting colleagues and reporting attempts at pressure.
The HACC found the defendants guilty under Articles 368(3) and 369(3) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
Shevchenko was sentenced to 7 years in prison with a 3-year ban on holding positions in law enforcement or any public office involving managerial responsibilities. The court also ordered confiscation of all his property.
Rudniev was sentenced to 6 years in prison with a 3-year ban on practising law and confiscation of all his property.
