Case description
HACC has found Ihor Saraiev, a judge of the Prymorskyi District Court in Mariupol, and his assistant, Tetiana Zolotar, guilty of accepting a UAH 15,000 bribe.
According to the investigation, the judge and his assistant approached a defendant in a DUI case, offering to “discuss” the matter. During a personal meeting, Saraiev demanded UAH 15,000 in exchange for closing the case due to the expiration of the statute of limitations. He also allegedly threatened the defendant with a driver’s license suspension.
As the defendant did not have the full amount, Saraiev – though displeased – agreed to accept part of the payment upfront and wait for the remainder. He also mentioned that the case would be postponed.
In November 2018, the defendant handed over another UAH 10,000 to Zolotar, who received the money under the pretense of assisting with a motion to postpone the case. On the same day, the defendants divided the money in their office, along with the remainder of the bribe once it was paid.
Both Saraiev and Zolotar repeatedly claimed not guilty. The defense argued that the evidence was obtained unlawfully and the testimony of the person who paid the bribe was unreliable, as he had a prior criminal record. The defense also pointed out that Saraiev had ruled on the defendant’s case back in 2014, which, in their view, could have compromised the witness’ objectivity.
The accused were charged under Article 368, Part 3 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The court sentenced Judge Saraiev to 7.5 years in prison, with confiscation of property and a three-year ban on holding positions as a judge, prosecutor, or lawyer. Zolotar received a six-year prison sentence with the same additional penalties.
On August 27, 2021, Ihor Saraiev submitted a request to the HCJ for voluntary dismissal. The HCJ approved his request, granting him honorary retirement. As a result, he received a retirement benefit equal to three months’ salary, along with a lifetime monthly pension of UAH 100,000.
