The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has detained a deputy chief of a customs post in Chernivtsi, who organized a scheme to illegally import iPhones and other Apple devices into Ukraine. According to the SBI, the official charged $100 for each smartphone that entrepreneurs imported, bypassing customs control and without paying taxes.
The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has detained a deputy chief of a customs post in Chernivtsi, who organized a scheme to illegally import iPhones and other Apple devices into Ukraine. According to the SBI, the official charged $100 for each smartphone that entrepreneurs imported, bypassing customs control and without paying taxes.
The customs officer didn’t just «turn a blind eye» to smuggling — he actually sold a comprehensive service: he advised on how to hide smartphones while crossing the border; ensured unhindered passage through the customs post; coordinated the transfer of funds through the post office and intermediaries.
Investigators found that the official received $10,400 from just one batch of iPhones from one entrepreneur.
The customs officer asked for the first bribes to be sent by mail. After another shipment of equipment, he ordered $4,200 to be transferred to his wife.
During the investigation, the woman tried to hide the money by throwing it out the window in a toilet paper sleeve, but law enforcement officers seized the money.
During searches at the customs office and at the workplace, almost 500,000 UAH in various currencies; foreign bank cards; mobile phones.
The investigation is ongoing — the State Bureau of Investigation is identifying other possible participants in the scheme at customs.
The official was informed of the suspicion of receiving an illegal benefit by an official in a prior conspiracy by a group of persons.
He faces: up to 10 years in prison and confiscation of property
The court chose a preventive measure — detention with the possibility of bail.
