The SBI initiated criminal proceeding over the illegal export of a large batch of cigarettes to Romania

SBI employees continue to counteract the systematic abuse of the Ukrainian Customs Service officials who "turn a blind eye" to violations during the export clearance of goods. Another fact of customs officers' involvement in a smuggling scheme is being checked in Odesa region.

Based on the available information, on 24 March, Romanian customs officers detained a truck with Ukrainian licence plates. Among the officially declared confectionery products, they found 4 million cigarettes (200,000 packs) of well-known brands labelled "Duty Free".

The preliminary investigation revealed that the truck was cleared at the Vinnytsia customs post by filing an electronic declaration. The vehicle and trailer bore the sender's seal indicated in the accompanying documents certified by Odesa Customs.

The information was registered in the Unified Register of Pre-trial Investigations. The proceedings are being investigated under Part 2 Art. 364 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (abuse of office).

The Odesa Region Prosecutor's Office is providing procedural supervision.