The SSU detained a senior official of the State Customs Service, Volodymyr Maystruk

The SSU detained a senior official of the State Customs Service, Volodymyr Maystruk

Law enforcement officers detained the deputy director of the Department of International Cooperation of the State Customs Service of Ukraine, Volodymyr Maystruk, on suspicion of systematically receiving bribes. According to the investigation, the official organized corruption schemes related to the evasion of mobilization by conscripts and illegal assistance to foreign migrants.

According to law enforcement, Maistruk registered conscripts as “public diplomats” in a capital-based public organization acting on behalf of an international institution. This allowed the evaders to avoid mobilization.

Additionally, the figure received bribes from illegal migrants from the Middle East planning to travel to EU countries. In exchange for a reward, the official promised assistance in preventing deportation and unobstructed travel to the European Union.

As part of a large-scale special operation, corruption schemes at customs in three regions of Ukraine — Odesa, Volyn, and Chernivtsi regions — were also uncovered. The local customs officers were involved in smuggling and extorting bribes to “resolve issues” related to the movement of goods.

The investigation continues. Law enforcement officers are gathering evidence and do not rule out new suspicions in the case.