The SBI exposed a large-scale corruption scheme at Odesa customs, where even generators were not allowed to enter Ukraine without bribes (VIDEO)
The SBI agents continue to systematically eliminate corruption at customs. A lot of work is being done to maintain order along the Ukrainian border. This time, a large-scale extortion scheme was exposed at Odesa Customs.
Customs officers, according to operational data, took money from everyone who transported goods across the border. This is confirmed by searches of the customs post's administrative building. Employees of the SBI discovered money caches of customs officers. The inspectors "earned" more than UAH 65 thousand in just a few hours. The cash was stashed beneath baseboards, in computer equipment, heaters, waste paper, and even in the toilet.
During the special operation, an inspector of Odesa Customs was detained who demanded a "fee" from the importer for the unimpeded import of generators and electrical appliances to Ukraine.
Despite the fact that generators currently have preferential customs clearance conditions, the customs officer demanded money for not causing "unnecessary" problems during customs clearance. He estimated such "services" to be 50% of official customs payments.
Within a short period of time, the investigation documented the facts of the customs official receiving bribes worth several thousand US dollars.
The State Bureau of Investigation detained the inspector "red-handed" after receiving the money.
The issue of serving him a notice of suspicion of extortion and receiving illegal benefit (Part 3 Art. 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine) and choosing a measure of restraint is being decided.
The sanction of the article provides for punishment in the form of imprisonment for up to 10 years with confiscation of property.
The investigation is ongoing, and a complete list of those involved in this and other schemes is being compiled.
The procedural supervision is carried out by the Odesa Region Prosecutor's Office.
The systematic work continues.
Earlier, the SBI found hidden goods at Odesa Customs worth over UAH 1.5 billion.
During searches on the territory of container terminals, the SBI agents found a helicopter, luxury cars, equipment, huge batches of shoes, including branded ones, construction materials and equipment.