The SSU has shut down corruption schemes at the customs of Kyiv, Rivne and Odesa regions.

Three officials, members of customs posts’ leadership, have been detained.

They imposed ‘tributes’ on Ukrainian entrepreneurs importing foreign products into our country.

In Rivne:

the first deputy head of the regional customs office has been served a notice of suspicion. The official set up a scheme of systemic extortion of bribes for unimpeded clearance of foreign goods.

In case of non-payment, the carriers were to undergo ‘additional’ checks of the goods and accompanying documentation.

This led to artificial delays and, as a result, disrupted importers’ contractual obligations to deliver products on time.

In Kyiv:

The SSU and the National Police detained the deputy head of one of the Kyiv customs posts ‘red-handed’. The official regularly extorted money from foreign trade entities.

He took bribes for ‘not creating obstacles’ during customs clearance of foreign goods.

A customs broker was also involved. He acted as an intermediary talking to the importers and transferring the money ‘up the chain’.

In Odesa region:

The SSU and the SBI uncovered the corrupt activities of a customs post chief. The official acted as part of a criminal group that included several subordinates and a customs broker.

The members of the group demanded bribes from importers, which depended on the amount and type of goods.

The three customs officials and two of their accomplices were notified of suspicion under Article 368.3 of the CCU (acceptance of an offer, promise or receipt of an unlawful benefit by an official).

The investigations are ongoing. Persons involved face up to 10 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The operations were conducted jointly with the State Bureau of Investigation, the National Police and the State Customs Service under the supervision of the Prosecutor General’s Office.