The Security Service of Ukraine and the National Police have apprehended the head of a customs post in Lviv region. The official took bribes from importers of electronic equipment to Ukraine. In exchange for money, he helped businessmen evade customs clearance procedures and payments to the state budget.

The case pertains to ‘black’ imports of high-value digital equipment of well-known brands that entrepreneurs imported from abroad.

In only one of the documented episodes, the official let through products without paying customs duties of over UAH 15 mln (USD 359,000). For such a ‘favour’, he asked for USD 23,000 for himself.

To operate the scheme, the perpetrator entered false information into the automated customs clearance system.

The law enforcement detained the suspect after he received the full amount of the bribe, which was then found in his car.

He has been served a notice of suspicion under Article 368.4 of the CCU (acceptance of an offer, promise or receipt of an unlawful benefit by an official).

The investigation is ongoing to bring to justice all those involved in the scheme.

The suspect faces up to 10 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The operation was carried out by the SSU Office in Lviv region jointly with the National Police and the Internal Security Unit of Lviv Customs under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.