SBU Main Directorate of Economic Counter-Intelligence Protection of the State's Interests jointly with the Prosecutor General’s Office exposed illegal mechanism of natural gas import from the EU countries.

It was established, that a major Ukrainian trader of natural gas set up an illegal scheme of tax evasion. Allegedly, the trader set up several shell companies in Odesa City and Kyiv region. Using the specifics of natural gas customs clearance (customs payment grace period, making the minimum customs payment), the dealers sold natural gas to customers avoiding paying taxes. The obtained money was moved out into “shadow” economy sector.

Using the scheme of tax evasion, the suspects imported natural gas worth UAH 500 million (USD 20 million) for the last six months, resulting in UAH 150 million (USD 6 million) budget losses.

During the searches of the shell companies’ offices, the law enforcement seized financial and business documents, stamps of shell and offshore companies, proving the illegal activity of the suspects.

For now, the illicitly imported natural gas and financial resources engaged in the deal, are being seized.

The investigation is ongoing.