The SSU continues disrupting large scale smuggling schemes causing multi-million state losses. In particular, SSU officers blocked a channel for smuggling of excisable tobacco products to Ukraine.

It was established that high-ranking officials of the Ternopil customs of the State Customs Service were involved in the scam. Their illegal activity caused over UAH 3 m (USD 112,000) state losses.

Allegedly, the officials entered invalid data on products value and size into shipping documents, thus assisting in smuggling of tobacco products to Ukraine. The profits were converted into non-observed economy.

During the searches of offenders’ offices, the SSU officers seized electronic data storage devices and reporting documentation with evidence of illegal activities.

The investigation actions of abuse of authority are ongoing to prosecute all involved individuals.

The operation was carried out by the SSU Main Directorate on Combating Corruption and Organized Crime under the supervision of the Prosecutor General`s Office of Ukraine.