In the Lviv region, an official from one of the local customs posts has been detained on suspicion of organising a kickback scheme for clearing cars through customs. Law enforcement agencies in the Lviv region reported the case.
According to the investigation, the officer from the customs clearance department demanded 3,660 US dollars from representatives of importing companies for the unobstructed entry of vehicles into Ukraine and for not creating artificial obstacles during processing.
Operatives established that the illegal activity had been ongoing for several months. In May, the customs officer received the first “instalment” of 780 US dollars from one of the importers for processing 13 cars without hindrance. On 24 June, law enforcement officers detained the official immediately after he received the second part of the unlawful benefit — 2,880 US dollars for customs clearance of a further 48 vehicles.
The detention was carried out under Article 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine. Investigators have notified the customs officer that he is suspected of committing an offence under Part 3 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (acceptance of an offer, promise or receipt of an unlawful benefit by an official).
The sanction under this article provides for a penalty of imprisonment for a term of five to ten years, with disqualification from holding certain positions or engaging in certain activities for up to three years, and with confiscation of property. The pre-trial investigation is ongoing, and the court is expected to choose a preventive measure for the suspect in the near future.