Journalists uncover a scheme to harass small business (KyivPost)

A screenshot of a video published by journalist investigation project Slidstvo.info shows Svitlana Melnychuk, an inspector at the State Labor Service of Ukraine in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, forging complaints against private entrepreneurs to have a legal basis to inspect and fine their businesses. Melnychuk was assisted by Serhiy Alekseychenko (C) a Servant of the People city council member from the city of Novomoskovsk.
Photo by Courtesy
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Better, not great
Deputy Business Ombudsman Tetyana Korotka told the Kyiv Post that there are numerous complaints on state monitoring agencies filed by businesses of all sizes.
“The integrity of State Labor Service inspectors is questionable,” says Korotka.
She also points out that there are numerous complaints filed against the State Tax Service and regional authorities that, while not having direct authority to fine businesses, have the power to issue permits critical for the businesses survival.
“Under the decentralization law, we have more responsibilities on the local levels, and not always those local authorities are ready for those responsibilities,” says Korotka.
“On the local level there’s a temptation to use authority over small businesses,” she adds. It also concerns local inspectors of national agencies, who have less supervision in remote regions.
According to Korotka, the Business Ombudsman Council receives its vast majority of complaints from businesses situated in Ukraine’s regions. Most notably Kyiv, Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk Oblasts.
Read the full article here.