Detectives from the Territorial Department of the Bureau of Economic Security (BEB) in Kyiv have uncovered a systematic fraud scheme. According to the BEB, vehicles were declared as humanitarian aid for the Armed Forces of Ukraine but were actually sold via social networks. The perpetrators thus avoided paying customs duties and taxes.
According to the authority, more than 300 illegally imported cars have been identified so far. The lost customs revenue amounts to over 50 million hryvnias. Investigators are also checking whether the network is responsible for importing more than 3,000 vehicles. The suspects used controlled charitable organizations and submitted forged guarantee letters allegedly from military units to customs authorities.
During searches in the city of Rivne and the surrounding region, officers seized vehicles, computers, documents, seals of aid organizations, and funds allegedly derived from the crime. Four suspects have been arrested and are in custody but can be released on bail. The investigation is ongoing.
Source: 24tv.ua
