Within 24 hours, the SBU exposed two schemes of smuggling of excisable tobacco products to Europe. The suspects acted with the assistance of Mukachevo Border Detachment officials.

Allegedly, a district inspector of the Tiachiv border unit, for various amounts of money, assisted to local smugglers in unimpeded transportation of cigarettes to the EU. For the reward, he informed the smugglers in advance about the "safe" time and areas of the border for the illegal transit of tobacco products. In particular, the SBU documented the fact that for USD 900, the inspector promised "not to notice" the smuggling of 30 boxes of tobacco products.

A similar smuggling scheme was covered up by a senior shift officer of border patrol units of the Diakove border unit. According to his "prices", the cost of smuggling 20 boxes of tobacco products amounted to USD 800.

Both perpetrators were detained during their meetings with "clients” in accordance with Art. 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine.

They are both accused of reception of illegal benefit by the official.

Investigations are ongoing. The possible involvement of other officials, including the leadership of the border detachment, is being investigated.

The operations were carried out by officers of the SBU Main Directorate for Combating Corruption and Organized Crime together with the SBU Office in Zakarpattia region, investigators of the State Bureau of Investigations Territorial Administration in Lviv city, and the Internal Security officers of the State Border Guard Service under the supervision of the Military Prosecutor's Office of Uzhhorod Garrison.