$1 million to avoid extradition to russia: extortion exposed
NABU and SAPO have served a notice of suspicion on an individual who demanded USD 1 million to help prevent a citizen's possible extradition to the aggressor state.
According to the investigation, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) searched the residence of a foreign national holding a temporary residence permit in Ukraine.
Following the search, an individual claiming to have connections with top SBU officials offered to help the foreign national avoid criminal prosecution and extradition to russia in exchange for USD 1 million.
The funds were to be transferred in four installments of USD 250,000 each.
The suspect then received the first part of the bribe from the victim — USD 50,000 — and began demanding the rest of the money. The victim was threatened with physical violence, murder, and the restriction of his legal rights if he refused to continue handing over the funds allegedly intended to bribe SBU officials.
However, the remaining amount was never paid due to unforseen circumstances.
According to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is considered not-guilty in the commission of a crime and cannot be subject to criminal punishment until he or she is found guilty by court.
