Corruption at Lviv Customs: two suspects
NABU and SAPO, in cooperation with the SSU in the Lviv region, have served charges on a former official of the Lviv Customs and a Ukrainian citizen whose actions caused damages to the state amounting to over UAH 15 million.
According to the investigation, in April 2023, a customs officer facilitated the illegal transport of mobile phones, headphones, tablets, laptops, and all-in-one computers by a Ukrainian citizen. The goods were moved in a cargo truck through the Ugryniv-Dolhobychiv international vehicle checkpoint without the required customs duties being paid. In particular, the officer entered false information into the “Inspector” automated customs clearance system stating that the vehicle transporting the goods was “empty.”
As a result, the goods unlawfully entered Ukraine without the payment of over UAH 15 million in customs duties.
However, the truck was stopped by security officers right outside the checkpoint. The cargo was seized, transferred to ARMA and sold at auction. This allowed for the full coverage of unpaid customs duties.
The actions of the suspects fall under Part 2 Art. 364, Part 1 Art. 366, Part 3 Art. 212 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
The investigation is ongoing. NABU and SAPO are identifying other possible participants in the crime.
According to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is considered not-guilty in the commission of a crime and cannot be subject to criminal punishment until he or she is found guilty by court.