PHILADELPHIA, PA — Vladimir Tsymbalenko, 53, the former owner of Vlad’s CDL School in Philadelphia, has been sentenced to nearly five years in prison for his role in a bribery scheme involving a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) examiner. United States District Court Judge Jeffrey L. Schmehl handed down the sentence, which includes 57 months’ imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $5,000 fine.
Tsymbalenko’s crimes involved paying bribes to a CDL examiner to ensure passing scores for students who either failed or did not take the CDL examination, compromising the safety of road users by allowing unqualified drivers to operate heavy commercial vehicles. Additionally, Tsymbalenko was convicted of witness tampering, having solicited a witness to provide false testimony.
The case came to a close on October 11, 2023, when Tsymbalenko entered a guilty plea to one count of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds and one count of witness tampering. This sentencing serves as a clear message about the severe consequences of undermining public safety and regulatory standards.
U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero emphasized the critical nature of licensure standards, which are designed to ensure drivers of large vehicles, such as trucks and buses, possess the necessary training and skills. “As Tsymbalenko’s nearly five-year prison sentence shows, my office and our partners will work to hold accountable anyone seeking to evade such critical government regulations,” Romero stated.
The Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT-OIG) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation into Tsymbalenko’s activities, with assistance from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Pennsylvania State Police. The collaborative effort underscores the commitment of federal and state agencies to uphold the integrity of safety programs and protect the public from the dangers posed by fraudulently obtained CDL certifications.
Christopher A. Scharf, Regional Special Agent in Charge for DOT-OIG, highlighted the agency’s dedication to combating fraud within the motor carrier industry that jeopardizes public safety. Similarly, Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia, affirmed the FBI’s resolve to address corruption and fraud that compromise licensing standards essential for community safety.
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