The Security Service eliminated corruption schemes operating at the customs offices of the Kyiv, Rivne and Odesa regions. As a result of complex measures, three officials included in the leadership of the customs authorities were detained. The defendants imposed a “tribute” on Ukrainian entrepreneurs involved in the import of foreign products into the territory of our state.
In Rivne: suspicion was reported to the first deputy head of the regional customs office. The official set up a scheme for systematically extorting bribes for unhindered customs clearance of foreign goods. In case of non-payment, carriers were subject to “additional” inspections of cargo and accompanying documentation. This led to an artificial delay in customs control and, as a result, disrupted the contractual obligations of importers to timely deliver products to customers.
In Kyiv: together with the police, the deputy head of one of the customs posts of the capital’s customs office, who carried out regular “extortions” from companies engaged in foreign economic activity, was detained in the hottest. According to the investigation, the official demanded money from entrepreneurs for not creating artificial obstacles during customs clearance of foreign goods. He involved a customs broker in illegal activities, who acted as an intermediary to conduct “negotiations” with importers and transfer “upward” the bribes received.
In Odesa region: together with the SBI, the head of one of the customs posts was exposed for corruption. The official acted as part of a criminal group he created, which included several subordinates and a customs broker. The criminals demanded different amounts of bribes from importers, depending on the volume and type of goods. Based on the materials received, three customs officials and two of their accomplices were informed of suspicion under Part 3 of Art. 368 CC.