NABU, SAPO expose criminal organization at Volyn Customs (PHOTOS)

On Nov. 8, 2023, NABU and SAPO exposed a criminal organization whose members facilitated illegal minimization of customs payments through the schemes of so-called "black" and "gray" imports within the jurisdiction of the Volyn Customs, causing over UAH 475 million in losses to the state.

As established, during the commission of the crime, its participants, under the guidance of a former law enforcement officer, in collusion with officials of the Volyn Customs, engaged in the illicit trafficking of high-value goods (mobile phones, computer equipment, clothing from renowned brands, etc.) through the international checkpoint Yahodyn.

In this scheme, imported valuable goods were masked under 'cover items' with significantly lower declared values. The role of officials at the Volyn Customs was to facilitate the customs clearance of these items without proper diligence. They filed fraudulent reports of customs inspections, entered false information into the "Inspector" automated customs clearance system, and deliberately failed to take action to stop the criminal scheme.

Ten persons have been notified of suspicion so far. Their actions fall under Part 1 Art. 255, Part 2, 3 Art. 212, Part 2 Art. 364, Part 1 Art. 366 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
 
The suspects are:

• five Volyn Customs officials;
• five other persons.

The organizer of the scheme has been detained pursuant to Article 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

Effective investigation by NABU and SAPO was facilitated by the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau of the Republic of Poland.

The investigation is ongoing. NABU and SAPO are identifying other possible members of the criminal organization.