From bribes to “diplomatic cover”: what is known about the border guards’ case
22 January 14:44
Anti-corruption authorities have announced the exposure of a large-scale corruption scheme in the State Border Service of Ukraine, reports "Komersant Ukrainian".
According to the investigation, both current and former high-ranking officials of the agency were involved in the scheme, systematically receiving bribes for allowing people to cross the border without hindrance.
What is known
NABU and SAP reported the exposure of a former top official and a current employee of the State Border Service who are suspected of receiving illegal benefits. This involves an organized scheme for the illegal transportation of goods across the Ukrainian border to European Union countries.
Among those involved in the case are
- the former head of the State Border Service of Ukraine with the rank of general;
- the head of a department at one of the border crossing points;
- a former official of the State Border Guard Service.
What is the essence of the scheme
According to the investigation, in 2023, a group of individuals organized the illegal transportation of cigarettes across the state border. Border guards played a key role in ensuring unhindered passage, guaranteeing no checks in exchange for money.
From July to November 2023 alone, according to law enforcement officials, the participants in the scheme received at least €204,000 for the passage of 68 vehicles — €3,000 for each vehicle.
How illegal transport was disguised
To avoid control, they used cars registered in the Czech Republic and Austria. They installed license plates that were visually similar to diplomatic ones.
The passengers of these cars were holders of diplomatic passports, including family members of Ukrainian diplomats in EU countries. This allowed them to avoid detailed inspections by the customs and border authorities of European countries.
The investigation also established that some of the high-ranking officials of the State Border Service had previously served alongside diplomats whose relatives later became participants in the scheme.
What is the legal classification
The actions of the suspects are classified under:
- Part 4 of Article 27 (aiding and abetting a crime),
- Part 4 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (obtaining unlawful benefits on an especially large scale).
The issue of choosing a preventive measure is currently being decided.
The pre-trial investigation is ongoing. Law enforcement officials do not rule out the possibility of identifying other participants in the scheme and expanding the circle of suspects.
At the same time, the NABU emphasizes that, in accordance with the Constitution of Ukraine, all persons involved in the case are considered innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
