The SSU systematically counters crime at the customs border and identifies officials involved in criminal activities. This time, the SSU prevented the aggressor state from undermining sustainable functioning of customs.

The outcome of the operation is stopping of illegal cooperation between customs officials and citizens who have been included in the sanctions list of smugglers in line with the Decree of President Volodymyr Zelenskyi of April 21, 2021.

The SSU also established that 3 persons from this list had russian citizenship, and one person - Romanian citizenship. Therefore, the SSU initiated termination of their Ukrainian citizenship.

The majority of the sanctioned persons sought to circumvent restrictions, continued illegal activities through affiliated structures and tried to maintain influence on the officials. The SSU prevented undermining of stable functioning of customs authorities by the aggressor state.

Under the procedural supervision of the General Prosecutor’s Office, 23 searches were conducted with regards to several sanctioned persons, as a result of which weapons, ammunition and explosives were uncovered.

The searches and other investigative actions were carried out within the criminal proceedings under the Articles of the CCU:

• 209.3 (legalization (laundering) of property obtained by crime);
• 212.3 (tax evasion);
• 258-5.3 (terrorism financing);
• 364.2 (abuse of power or official position).

Investigations are ongoing.

Currently, 24 customs officials, including senior level, have already been suspended from their positions.