The SBI served suspicion notices to Transcarpathian customs officers who facilitated illegal import of luxury electronics, the equipment was handed over to the Armed Forces (VIDEO)

20/02/2023

The SBI, with the assistance of the Bureau of Economic Security and the National Police, served a notice of suspicion to the deputy head of the Luzhanka customs post and the chief state inspector of the same customs post, who facilitated the illegal import of a truck with smartphones, tablets and laptops into Ukraine without paying customs duties.

A truck carrying electronics entered Ukraine from Hungary through the Luzhanka checkpoint in Zakarpattia in the summer of 2022. Customs officers allowed the truck to pass through the so-called "green corridor" after certifying that it did not contain any goods requiring customs declaration and payment.

However, shortly after leaving the checkpoint, law enforcement agents stopped the truck and discovered electronic devices of a well-known American brand, namely phones, laptops, and smartwatches worth more than UAH 112 million.

Because of the deputy head of the customs post's negligence and the state inspector's intentional illegal actions, the truck with the electronics was able to pass through the customs checkpoint without paying customs duties.

The deputy head of the customs post was served a notice of suspicion of gross negligence that led to grave consequences (Part 2 of Article 367 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine), the chief state inspector of the customs post was served a notice of suspicion of abuse of power that led to grave consequences (Part 2 of Article 364 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

The sanction of the articles provides for punishment in the form of imprisonment for up to 6 years.

The detectives of the Economic Security Bureau also served a notice of suspicion to the persons who imported the electronics to Ukraine, and the seized equipment was transferred to the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The Transcarpathian Regional Prosecutor's Office is providing procedural supervision.