SBU officers blocked a large-scale smuggling of excisable goods to EU countries in Lviv region.  Smuggler was using non-existent diplomatic immunity.

SBU operatives established that a resident of Drohobych town organised smuggling of Ukrainian and Belorussian cigarettes to Europe.  In order to avoid customs control, intruder showed a forged card of representative of Food and Agricultural Organization, providing him diplomatic immunity and privileges. Firstly, the smuggler used such scheme in Zakarpattya region and then moved to Lviv region.            

SBU officers detained pseudo-diplomat at Shehyni check-point on the next attempt to smuggle a large batch of cigarettes outside of Ukraine.  SBU found 150 thousand packs of smuggled goods valued at over UAH 3 million (USD 125,000).

Upon the request of the SBU, Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that offender’s diplomatic card is forged. Accreditation of Ukrainian representatives for the UN Food and Agricultural Organization is not stipulated by UN regulatory documents. Intruder used non-existent license plate.

Investigation is ongoing. Protocol is to be drawn up after estimation of confiscated excisable goods for movement of goods across the customs border of Ukraine concealed from customs control. Intruder’s vehicle was seized.  The issue of initiating criminal proceeding under Art. 204 and Art.358 of the Criminal Code of the Criminal Code of Ukraine is now being decided.

Operation was conducted by officers of the SBU Offices in Lviv and Zakarpattya regions, jointly with Counter-intelligence Department, Halych customs office, State Border Guard Department “Zahid” and Mostyn Border Guard unit.