In Zhytomyr region, the SBU documented illegal activity of the group that organized an interregional tax evasion centre during the customs clearance of imported vehicles, registering it with the underestimated value.

During the pre-trial investigation, the law enforcement gathered sufficient evidence that prove the involvement of former deputy of Zhytomyr city council in illegal activity. Previously, he held the position of the First Deputy Chairman of the Regional Military-Civilian Administration in the east of Ukraine.

The offender made front men as the tenants of several business entities and used its’ details when importing cars from the EU. The director and accountant of the firms was his friend. Another accomplice, a customs broker, was responsible for the "solution" of customs formalities during registration of vehicles.

Using the forged documents, the offenders underestimated the value of vehicles and reduced mandatory customs payments to the state budget.

Due to previous position, the mastermind used his ties with workers of customs office, who helped him to register the vehicles. The SBU established that the state budget lost UAH 8.2 million (circa USD 304,000).

On the basis of sufficient evidence, the mastermind received a notice of suspicion of committing a crime stipulated by P.3 Art.28, P.3 Art 27, P.3 Art 212 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

The customs broker is suspected of committing a crime stipulated by P.3 Art.28, P.5 Art 27, P.3 Art 212 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The actions of director are incriminated under P.3 Art.28, P.3 Art 212 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

Court passed a sentence to seize offenders’ property: two bank accounts, 23 bank cards are blocked, six cars, 15 land plots, an apartment and a part of dwelling house, which belongs to them.

SBU officers documented unlawful actions of personnel of Zhytomyr customs office and initiated another criminal proceeding under P.2 Art.364 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

The operation was conducted by the SBU Office in Zhytomyr region jointly with the Financial Investigation Department of the Main State Fiscal Service Directorate under the legal supervision of the Prosecutor’s Office.