In Zhytomyr, the SSU exposed customs officials on large-scale corruption in customs clearance of trucks.

Officials of Zhytomyr Central Customs, in collusion with two entrepreneurs, organized customs clearance of trucks significantly understating their value.

Representatives of entrepreneurs submitted to the customs forged foreign technical passports with inaccurate data on the manufacture date of trucks and their first registration.

Abusing their official position, customs officers overlooked such violations and did not inspect the documents properly.

Afterwards, the group sold trucks at market prices.

The excise duty and VAT were 40 times reduced for each vehicle, from UAH 200,000 to 700,000 (USD 7,600 – 26,600), depending on engine displacement.

The group operated over 2 years and imported at least 36 trucks. According to estimates, the losses to the state budget are UAH 10 m (USD 380,230).

Three senior inspectors of Zhytomyr customs were notified of suspicion of abuse of power or official position that caused serious consequences.

Overall, six customs officials received notices of suspicion.

Investigation is underway. Law enforcement officers are verifying the involvement of other individuals in the corruption scheme.  

The SSU Zhytomyr Office carried out the operation jointly with the SBI Main Investigation Department under the supervision of the Prosecutor General's Office.