The SSU dismantled a large-scale scheme of extorting money from wholesale exporters of Ukrainian products to EU countries. The scam was set up by one of the heads of regional customs in Kirovohrad and Ivano-Frankivsk regions.

For this purpose, the offender organized an interregional criminal group.

The criminals forced Ukrainian businessmen to pay a tribute. For that, they promised not to create artificial barriers during customs clearance.

According to preliminary data, the amounts extorted reached USD 10,000 from a businessperson per month.

The victims of the crime ring include agricultural enterprises and domestic food producers.

The investigation established that the group’s leader involved his assistant and several intermediaries in the transfer of illegally obtained benefits.

During the operation, the law enforcement detained one of the criminals when he received another bribe from entrepreneurs.

The investigators are preparing notices of suspicion to serve to the members of the group.

 The pre-trial investigation into bribery (Article 368.3 of the CCU) is underway.

The SSU carried out the operation jointly with the SBI under the supervision of the Prosecutor General’s Office.