The Security Service dismantled corrupt schemes operating in the customs offices of the Kyiv, Rivne, and Odessa regions.
As a result of comprehensive measures, three officials from the leadership of customs authorities were apprehended.
The individuals targeted Ukrainian entrepreneurs engaged in importing foreign products into the country, extorting bribes from them.
In Rivne:
The first deputy head of the regional customs office was notified of suspicion. The official orchestrated a scheme of systematic extortion for smooth customs clearance of foreign goods.
Failure to pay led to additional inspections of carriers and accompanying documentation.
This artificially prolonged the customs control period, resulting in the disruption of importers' contractual obligations for timely delivery of goods.
In Kyiv:
Working jointly with the National Police, a deputy head of one of the customs posts in the capital city was caught red-handed, regularly extorting payments from companies engaged in foreign economic activity.
According to the investigation, the official demanded money from entrepreneurs for not creating artificial barriers during customs clearance of foreign goods.
He involved a customs broker in this illegal activity, acting as an intermediary to conduct negotiations with importers and transfer the received bribes upwards.
In the Odessa region:
Collaborating with the State Bureau of Investigations, the chief of one of the customs posts was exposed for corruption. The official operated within a criminal group he had formed, consisting of several subordinates and a customs broker.
The criminals demanded various amounts of bribes from importers, depending on the volume and type of goods.
Based on the obtained evidence, three customs officials and two of their accomplices were notified of suspicion under Article 368 Part 3 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (acceptance of an offer, promise, or receipt of unlawful benefits by an official).
Investigations into the uncovered facts are ongoing to hold all individuals involved in corrupt schemes accountable. Perpetrators face up to 10 years in prison with property confiscation.
