Smuggling of timber worth almost half a million hryvnias organised – two entrepreneurs served notice of suspicion
Under the procedural supervision of the Lviv Region Prosecutor’s Office, two private entrepreneurs were served a notice of suspicion of timber smuggling, completed attempted timber smuggling and legalisation (laundering) of the proceeds of crime (Part 3 of Art. 201-1, Part 2 of Art. 15, Part 3 of Art. 201-1, Part 1 of Art. 209 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).
The investigation established that in May 2024, two entrepreneurs organised the illegal movement of timber across the customs border of Ukraine, which is prohibited for export. In particular, it was hazel and lumber made from it.
The suspects bought unmarked timber from local residents, which they stored and processed at their place of business in Sambir district.
To obtain a certificate of the allegedly legal origin of the timber, the suspects used the existing documents of other entrepreneurs. They also exported the goods to foreign companies on behalf of these individual entrepreneurs, who had contracts with them.
It was documented that, using forged documents, the men managed to smuggle across the border products for which they received almost UAH 500 thousand.
Subsequently, the illegal activity of the suspects was stopped by law enforcement officers directly at an attempt to move the timber consignments by truck across the customs territory of Ukraine at one of the checkpoints.
In addition, the men legalised part of the funds received in foreign currency under export contracts. In particular, by converting it into hryvnia on the interbank market and withdrawing more than UAH 400 in cash, which they used to buy timber.
The pre-trial investigation is being conducted by detectives of the BES in Lviv region with the operational support of the SBU Office in Lviv region.
Note: In accordance with Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person shall be presumed innocent of committing a crime and shall not be subjected to criminal punishment until his or her guilt is proved by law and established by a court verdict of guilty.
Information Policy Department
of the Lviv Regional Prosecutor’s Office
