In Bukovyna, the SBU exposed illegal scheme of agricultural products export. The scheme was organized by the officials of the Main Department of the State Fiscal Service in Chernivtsi region.

The operatives established that the offenders acted in collusion with representatives of private companies.

The officials assisted businessmen in exporting large consignments of walnuts via bogus firms. Products were delivered to the EU and the Middle East on the basis of false shipping documents.

Allegedly, the scheme damaged the state budget for almost UAH 258 m. (USD 9.1m.)

During the searches of customs posts, SFS bodies and offenders’ residences, law enforcement officers seized documents, drafts, seals and stamps that may be the evidence of illegal activity.

Thus, eleven people served notices of suspicion of tax evasion, duties or other compulsory payments; sham business that caused a significant pecuniary damage to the state; forgery of documents and forgery in office.

The investigation is ongoing.

The operation was conducted jointly with the State Bureau of Investigation under supervision of Prosecutor General’s Office.