Two scientists from state institutions are suspected of extorting UAH 980,000 from a business representative for preparing documentation and influencing its approval for a wind power installation project in Cherkasy region. One of them was detained after receiving UAH 430,000. The Prosecutor General’s Office reports this, UNN writes.
Under the procedural guidance of prosecutors from the Prosecutor General’s Office, two scientists working at state research institutions were notified of suspicion of demanding approximately UAH 980,000 in unlawful benefit from a business representative
According to the investigation, the money was demanded in connection with the preparation of environmental impact assessment documentation for a project to locate a wind power installation in Cherkasy region.
In January 2026, the suspects, who held positions as senior and junior research fellows, demanded UAH 550,000 for preparing and revising individual sections of the relevant report.
Later, they additionally demanded another UAH 430,000. Of this amount, UAH 350,000 was for influencing officials whose decisions determined whether the documentation would be approved, and another UAH 80,000 was for supporting and lobbying the project.
On August 11, 2026, after the transfer of UAH 430,000, one of the suspects was detained under Article 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine.
Both were notified of suspicion under Part 3 of Article 369-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — receiving an unlawful benefit for influencing the decision-making of a person authorized to perform state functions, combined with demanding such a benefit.