The SSU and the SBI have eliminated a new corruption scheme at Zhytomyr Customs. Based on the findings of the investigation, 5 chief inspectors of the customs post were notified of suspicion, which is almost half of the officers working on the shift.

According to the investigation, their illegal activities caused at least UAH 3.5 mln (USD 87,000) in losses to the state.

According to the investigation, the officials were engaged in fraud related to customs clearance of trucks. They underestimated the amount of payments during customs clearance of vehicles imported from the EU.

The scheme worked through to an import company.

This entity provided fake foreign technical passports with corrected dates of production and first registration of trucks. As a result of such manipulations, the trucks became ‘younger’, while mandatory customs payments to the budget were significantly reduced.

The customs officers, abusing their position, ‘did not notice’ the violations and did not properly check the documents submitted for customs clearance.

The pre-trial investigation documented the import and clearance of over two dozen trucks and their sale to honest buyers.

The law enforcement agencies are checking the involvement of other customs officials in the scheme and conducting investigative actions at the post in question. Documents and electronic data carriers that may contain evidence of the offence are being seized.

5 chief inspectors of Zhytomyr Central customs post have been notified of suspicion under the Article 364.2 of the CCU (abuse of power or office, which caused grave consequences).

The SSU Office in Zhytomyr region exposed the scheme in cooperation with the SBI’s Main Investigation Department under the supervision of the Prosecutor General’s Office.