SSU continues the systematic fight against smuggling and stopped a corruption scheme organized by the officials of the Boryspil Airport customs post.

The officials involved in smuggling passed a competitive selection and met the criteria of the reformed customs. They systematically extorted and received illegal benefits from entrepreneurs.

The perpetrators took bribes from businessmen for assisting in the unimpeded customs clearance of goods imported into Ukraine. In the case of refusal, entrepreneurs were threatened with artificial obstacles and delays in the registration process.

The commercial cargo was registered by the perpetrators as personal belongings of the passengers and the funds were not charged to the state budget. This is a so-called scheme of unaccompanied baggage.

The amount of bribes depended on the quantity of goods and their value.

Law enforcement officers caught a custom officer red-handed while taking the bribe. The perpetrators demanded USD 4,500 from the entrepreneur.

The illegal actions of other persons involved in the smuggling scheme were documented.

Investigative actions are underway. The searches are conducted at the place of commission of the illegal actions and at the place of residence of the perpetrators.

The operation was carried out by the SSU Main Directorate for Combating Corruption and Organized Crime together with the investigators of the SSU Main Office in Kyiv and Kyiv region under the supervision of the Kyiv Region Prosecutor's Office.