Integrated response to smuggling has generated a significant economic impact: the SSU operations in this area since the beginning of 2021 resulted in payment of UAH 981 mln (USD 37.5 mln) to the state budget and imposing of almost UAH 2 bln (USD 76 mln) of customs duties. This was the message of the Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Ivan Bakanov at a briefing after the NSDC meeting.

The Head of the SSU highlighted the sanctions introduced by the NSDC against top smugglers this spring: their assets were blocked and the activities of many businesses suspended. The sanctions covered 22 individuals and 146 legal entities.

‘These are completely justified steps. There were suspicious financial transactions related to money laundering worth UAH 938 mln (USD 36 mln), recorded earlier. The assets of these entities were blocked and their financial and economic activities suspended. Criminal proceedings against top smugglers have also been instituted,’ the Head of the SSU informed.

In addition, financial transactions at 23 banks were suspended, the right to perform notarial acts in relation to 104 real estate properties was restricted, and the authorization of import and export of currency values ​​was stopped.

According to the President’s decree, the implementation of sanctions policy is entrusted to the government. This summer, an interagency working group was set up to work on its implementation.

Additionally, Ivan Bakanov outlined the steps to be taken at the state level to ensure still more effective fight against smuggling, in particular, introduction of criminal responsibility for smuggling of goods in large quantities and electronic excise stamp.