The Security Service of Ukraine announced the disclosure and liquidation of corruption schemes at the customs offices of Kyiv, Rivne and Odesa regions. In the course of special operations, 5 customs officials were detained, who organized the systematic extortion of bribes from Ukrainian businessmen.
About this write Security Service of Ukraine:
“The Security Service eliminated corruption schemes that operated at the customs offices of Kyiv, Rivne, and Odesa regions. As a result of complex measures, three officials who are part of the management of the customs authorities were detained. The extras paid a “tribute” to Ukrainian entrepreneurs who import foreign products to the territory of our country“, the message says.
In the Rivne region, the first deputy head of the regional customs was detained, who demanded a bribe for the unhindered clearance of imported goods. In case of non-payment of the bribe, carriers were expected to undergo “additional” inspections of cargo and accompanying documentation.
Also in the capital, the deputy head of one of the customs posts of the capital’s customs office, who “set up” regular “extortions” from foreign economic companies, was detained. The official demanded a bribe for not creating artificial obstacles during the customs clearance of goods. He involved a customs broker in the scheme, who acted as an intermediary for the transfer of bribes.
The SBU in the Odesa region exposed the head of one of the customs posts, who acted as part of an organized criminal group, which included his subordinates and a customs broker. Criminals demanded bribes from importers, the sums of which depended on the volume and type of goods.
All 5 detained customs officials and two of their accomplices were charged with suspicion under Part 3 of Art. 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (acceptance of an offer, promise or receipt of an illegal benefit by an official).
According to the SBU, the perpetrators face up to 10 years in prison with confiscation of property.
