SBU officers uncovered an illegal activity of firm, engaging in a large-scale scheme for minimizing tax payments on customs clearance of cars.

In autumn 2019, the SBU blocked an interregional centre of tax evasion “specialising” on customs clearance for vehicles using lower-than-estimated value.

During the pre-trial investigation, SBU officers established that the offenders used a local firm when importing vehicles from the EU. According to the documents, which offenders filed to tax authorities, the price was twice as low. Offenders laundered UAH 6.5 million (USD 271,000) via this firm.

During the searches of the firm registration place, SBU officers seized office equipment and documents, proving illegal activity.

The owner of the firm received a notice of suspicion for evasion of payment taxes, where it resulted in actual non-receipt of especially large amounts of funds by budgets or special state funds. The issue of seizure the property is currently being decided.

Operation was conducted jointly with the Financial Investigation Department of State Fiscal Service and Prosecutor's Office of Zhytomyr region.