The SBI exposed a scheme of massive extortion from entrepreneurs importing consumer goods to Ukraine at Lviv Customs

The State Bureau of Investigation continues to help the customs to clean up corruption and shadow schemes. This work is especially important in times of war, as the stability of our country's financial system depends on customs revenues. The SBI, together with other law enforcement agencies, continues to carry out activities under the large-scale operation "Customs for Ukraine!". This work has already saved the state tens of millions of hryvnias.

At the Yavoriv customs post of the Lviv Customs, SBI employees exposed a scheme of total extortion from all small entrepreneurs importing consumer products to Ukraine.

The customs officers - the acting head of the customs clearance department and two state inspectors - worked on the same shift and extorted money from practically every vehicle. They set a "tax" of 500 to 1,000 UAH, depending on the volume of goods and the car's load capacity.

Customs personnel created extra obstacles at the border crossing for those who refused to pay.

To facilitate the process of cash collection, they hired a civilian who later handed the money to the acting head of the department, who distributed it to all the members of the group.
According to preliminary estimates, the monthly income of the customs officers was at least half a million hryvnias, and the scheme had been in place for about 3 years.

During searches of the suspects' workplaces and homes, SBI officers seized more than UAH 220,000 in cash in various currencies.

Four members of the group were served a notice of suspicion of receiving an unlawful benefit (Part 3 of Art. 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

The sanction of the article provides for imprisonment for up to 10 years.

A petition has been filed to suspend the customs officers from their duties and place them under arrest with the possibility of bail in the amount of UAH 1 million.

Other changes in the post and possible involvement of other customs officers in the scheme are being investigated.

The case is under the supervision of the Lviv Regional Prosecutor's Office.