The Yavoriv District Court of Lviv Region found state customs inspector Stepan Bilash guilty of official negligence, but released him from punishment due to the expiration of the statute of limitations.
According to the case materials, in March 2019, Bilash let a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter minibus with smuggled auto parts, clothing, and other goods weighing over 1.3 tons pass through without proper inspection. The bus was later stopped by SBU officers, and during a re-inspection, undeclared goods were discovered.
Judge Natalia Shved sentenced the customs officer to one year of restricted liberty and deprivation of the right to hold public office, but he was released from punishment due to the expiration of the statute of limitations.
Interestingly, Stepan Bilash was already dismissed from the customs in August 2021, but was reinstated through the courts. The Lviv District Administrative Court canceled the dismissal order and reinstated him, as well as reimbursed almost UAH 300,000 in salary for the period of forced absenteeism. The decision was confirmed by the Eighth Administrative Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.
This case caused widespread controversy due to the combination of smuggling, negligence by a public servant, and a lengthy legal process for reinstatement.
