A state inspector of the department for combating the illegal movement of drugs and weapons of the anti-smuggling department of the Lviv Customs was detained for extortion and receiving an illegal benefit in the amount of $15,000. According to the investigation, for the specified amount, the official ensured the unhindered import of jewelry of famous brands from Poland without paying customs duties and instructed how to hide the goods from control when crossing the border.
The items were from brands such as Cartier, Van Cleef and Hermes. It is noted that the bribe amounted to about 4% of the actual value of the goods being transported. The inspector was detained immediately after receiving the last part of the "kickback" - $10,000.
During the searches, law enforcement officers seized funds, including the entire amount received before the arrest and part of the previous payment (in particular, $1,600). Under the procedural guidance of the Lviv Regional Prosecutor's Office, the official was notified of suspicion of receiving an unlawful benefit by an official, combined with extortion (Part 3 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).
At this time, the person involved has been removed from his position; he has been given a preventive measure in the form of detention with the possibility of posting bail. Investigators are continuing their actions, identifying all persons involved in the illegal activity and the channels of import of goods.
