The SBU continues to neutralize national security threats related to illegal cross-border operations and smuggling activities. Moreover, the SBU provides CI support to customs bodies and the State Border Guard Service units.

During the last week, the SBU officers blocked four attempts to smuggle large batches of goods, in particular, excisable goods.

In Rivne region, the SBU jointly with the SFS, found a large amount of alcohol and counterfeit alcoholic beverages. Law enforcement officers seized almost 10,000 tons of alcohol and 3,000 bottles of counterfeit vodka with forged excise tax stamps. The offender was going to smuggle the goods across the border. The total value of seized goods worth over UAH 2 m. (USD 71,429). The equipment used for counterfeiting was found as well.

In Lviv region, SBU officers prevented illegal import of more than 240 pieces of equipment and brand clothes to Ukraine. The goods, including mobile phones from the world's leading manufacturers, was hidden from customs clearance in a minibus. The cost of the seized goods was about UAH 800,000 (USD 28,572). Further, a resident of Lviv region used minibus to transfer circa 5,000 cigarettes, which were placed in specially equipped caches. The smuggler tried to leave Ukraine through the simplified customs control.

The SBU in Volyn region detained a criminal group, which daily smuggled cigarettes across the border by quadcopter. The employees of the special service seized 1,000 packs of cigarettes, an aircraft and two radio stations.

Relevant procedural steps are ongoing.