Ukrainian prison hierarchy investigated over extortion of inmates
A man already serving a life sentence is also to face trial for spreading criminal influence, Ukrainian police report. The new case follows an earlier extortion indictment connected to Cherkasy prison.
Investigators allege he used his position in an informal prison hierarchy to demand money from other inmates. One victim was allegedly threatened with violence unless money was paid into a shared criminal fund.
Police say one thousand dollars was demanded in the described case. Relatives made several transfers under pressure to accounts allegedly controlled by associates. Reported transfers totalled 43,000 hryvnias.
The extortion indictment had already been sent to court in March. On 15 October police also announced the criminal-influence case. The existing life sentence relates to an earlier conviction.









































