Ukrainian Customs Officials Accused of Underreporting Payments
Date: 2023-11-09 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: ECONOMY
On November 8, NABU detectives, with the approval of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP), filed charges against five members of the criminal organization. Their activities were centered on providing services for the import of goods into Ukraine without paying the required customs fees.
Furthermore, charges have been brought against five customs officers who, abusing their official positions, failed to ensure the proper customs procedures were followed, allowing members of the criminal organization to import goods without paying the legally mandated fees.
Pre-trial investigations have revealed that between 2018 and 2019, the criminal organization engaged in the illegal movement of high-value goods through the international border crossing point at "Yahodyn," including mobile phones, computer equipment, and clothing from well-known manufacturers, significantly undervaluing these goods.
Customs officials, in turn, provided customs clearance for these goods to conceal the illegal activities. They submitted falsified reports of customs inspections and knowingly entered false information into the automated customs clearance system "Inspector," all while failing to take any action to stop the criminal scheme.
The investigation estimates that the actions of these individuals have caused losses of over 475 million hryvnias to the state budget.
Law enforcement has apprehended the mastermind behind the customs payment evasion scheme. The issue of selecting the suspects' pre-trial detention is currently under consideration.
The Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office has decided to conclude the pre-trial investigation in the case involving a Ukrainian MP and her assistant, who were allegedly bribed with 11,300 dollars for unhindered border crossings.
Furthermore, charges have been brought against five customs officers who, abusing their official positions, failed to ensure the proper customs procedures were followed, allowing members of the criminal organization to import goods without paying the legally mandated fees.
Pre-trial investigations have revealed that between 2018 and 2019, the criminal organization engaged in the illegal movement of high-value goods through the international border crossing point at "Yahodyn," including mobile phones, computer equipment, and clothing from well-known manufacturers, significantly undervaluing these goods.
Customs officials, in turn, provided customs clearance for these goods to conceal the illegal activities. They submitted falsified reports of customs inspections and knowingly entered false information into the automated customs clearance system "Inspector," all while failing to take any action to stop the criminal scheme.
The investigation estimates that the actions of these individuals have caused losses of over 475 million hryvnias to the state budget.
Law enforcement has apprehended the mastermind behind the customs payment evasion scheme. The issue of selecting the suspects' pre-trial detention is currently under consideration.
The Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office has decided to conclude the pre-trial investigation in the case involving a Ukrainian MP and her assistant, who were allegedly bribed with 11,300 dollars for unhindered border crossings.
