The SBU CI exposed and stopped the illegal activities of current and former officials of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They used official foreign ministry documents to transport diplomatic mail and smuggle excisable goods.

Law enforcement documented that the offenders moved currency, gold and excisable tobacco products across the Ukrainian state border, using diplomatic privileges and immunities.

SBU CI officers jointly with investigators of the State Bureau of Investigations detained a truck with diplomatic license plates at the Yahodyn BCP of Volyn customs. The officials attempted to transport to the EU:

• USD 140,000; EUR 67,200; PLN 11,600;
• almost 16 kilos of golden goods (estimated value USD 535,712);
• tobacco products (8,826 blocks) worth USD 53,571 at black market prices.

Within the initiated criminal proceedings, the investigative actions are ongoing. Based on the results, the issue of serving the offenders suspicion notices will be settled.

The operation was carried out jointly with the Territorial Department of the State Bureau of Investigation, located in the city of Lviv, under the supervision of the Specialized Prosecutor's Office in the Military and Defense Sphere of the Western region.