Prosecutors of the Chernivtsi Regional Prosecutor's Office proved that a police inspector organized and led a criminal group, which included another law enforcement officer and a civilian accomplice.

It was established that two law enforcement officers uncovered a driver transporting cigarettes without Ukrainian excise tax stamps and began to demand an unlawful benefit from him: 50 USD for each box. The civilian participant of the organized criminal group directly contacted the driver: negotiated the amount of money, outlined routes, and provided escort in another vehicle.

The investigation recorded 5 episodes of money transfers totaling 5,500 USD and 5,000 UAH. The law enforcement officers informed them of the suspicion and sent the case to court. 

The court supported the position of the prosecution and found the members of the group guilty of extortion and receiving unlawful benefits (Part 5 of Article 27, Part 3 of Article 28, and Part 3 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). The organizer of the criminal group was sentenced to 6 years and 6 months of imprisonment, his accomplices to 5.5 and 6 years. All three are prohibited from holding positions in law enforcement agencies for three years, and their property, except for housing, is subject to confiscation.

The pre-trial investigation was conducted by investigators of the Territorial Department of the State Bureau of Investigation (city of Khmelnytskyi).