As a result of an operation in Lviv region, the SSU neutralized a criminal group that ‘earned’ money on importing cars to Ukraine and their ‘fast-track’ registration.

Over 40,000 vehicles with foreign registration entered our country through this scheme.

The investigation established that the group included Lviv Customs officials, three brokers and a citizen of one of the EU states.

For USD 500 to 1000, the dealers guaranteed a ‘green corridor’ for the movement of cars from abroad and forged documents to register the car without cancelling its foreign registration.

The next stage, the unobstructed customs clearance, cost USD 50-150.

During the search of the perpetrators’ places of stay, the law enforcement found accounting records with evidence of unlawful activity and funds equaling UAH 1.2 mln (USD 34,000), the proceeds of crime.

So far, five members of the group have been notified of suspicion of crimes under Articles of the CCU:

368.3 (acceptance of an offer, promise or receiving undue benefit by an official),

368-4.4 (bribery of a person who provides public services),

369-2.3 (undue influence).

The court is to choose the measure of restraint.

The pre-trial investigation is ongoing in two criminal proceedings to bring to justice other individuals involved in the scheme.

The SSU carried out the operation together with Lviv region police investigators under the procedural supervision of Lviv Region Prosecutor’s Office.