An official of a research institution in Ternopil region demanded money for seedlings

With procedural guidance from the Krementsky District Prosecutor's Office, a suspicion has been announced to a officer of one of the scientific research institutions located within the boundaries of a nature reserve fund. He is charged with obtaining an improper advantage for himself for actions performed in the interests of the person providing the improper advantage, combined with extortion of an improper advantage (part 3 of article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

According to the investigation, in July 2026 a resident of Ternopil saw an advertisement on a website for the sale of decorative planting material. She called the listed phone number and arranged a meeting.

During the meeting, the officer informed her of his intention to purchase the saplings. The man said that he would provide the planting material only after she handed him the money personally.

In September 2026 the official twice handed the woman ornamental plant saplings and received 57 thousand hryvnias for this, after which his illegal activity was stopped by law enforcement.

The man has been notified of suspicion of committing a criminal offense under part 3 of article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. A preventive measure in the form of detention was chosen for him.

Pre-trial investigation is being conducted by investigators of the Krementsky District Police Department of the National Police in Ternopil region with operational support from the Security Service of Ukraine in Ternopil region.

Ternopil regional prosecutor's office