Prosecutors from the Transcarpathian Regional Prosecutor's Office have submitted to the court an indictment against a customs official suspected of organizing a scheme to illegally import luxury watches without paying customs duties.
According to the investigation, at the time of the exposure, the defendant held the position of acting head of the internal control department of the Transcarpathian customs. He established a mechanism for importing expensive goods in violation of the law in exchange for illegal benefits.
The investigation established that the watches were declared as personal belongings or hidden among other goods to avoid customs control. The movement took place in November-December 2025 through various customs posts on certain days - under the control of an official or persons associated with him. A tariff of 5 percent of the value of the goods was set for such services.
In one episode, the accused's ex-wife was involved in the scheme. She imported two watches with a total value of over $22,000. The official received a $1,100 reward for this. He then transported some of the goods himself.
In total, law enforcement officers documented the illegal import of products worth over 3.2 million hryvnias. The amount of the illegal profit received, according to the investigation, was 3,850 US dollars.
On January 1, 2026, the official was detained immediately after receiving another portion of a bribe in the amount of $2,750 for assisting in the import of a new batch of goods.
As part of the investigation, he was suspended from his duties. His property was also seized, including four land plots, a complex with a granary in the Mukachevo district, and two cars.
He is charged with receiving unlawful benefit, combined with extortion, and committed repeatedly. The case will now be considered by the court.
At the same time, according to the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the law.
