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 within the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, according to [Komersant].
According to the investigation, both current and former high-ranking officials of the agency were involved, systematically accepting bribes in exchange for unimpeded border crossings.
The NABU and the SAPO reported the exposure of a former top official and a current employee of the State Border Guard Service, who are suspected of receiving illicit benefits. The case involves an organized scheme for the illegal smuggling of goods across the Ukrainian border into European Union countries.
Among those implicated in the case are:
- the former head of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, holding 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 investigators, in 2023, a group of individuals established an illegal cigarette smuggling operation across the state border. Border guards played a key role in ensuring unimpeded passage, guaranteeing the absence of inspections in exchange for money.
From July to November 2023 alone, according to law enforcement, the scheme’s participants received at least 204,000 euros for the passage of 68 vehicles — 3,000 euros per vehicle.
To evade inspection, they used vehicles registered in the Czech Republic and Austria. These vehicles were fitted with license plates visually similar to diplomatic ones.
The passengers in these cars were holders of diplomatic passports—specifically, 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 high-ranking officials of the State Border Guard Service had previously served alongside diplomats whose relatives later became participants in the scheme.
The suspects’ actions 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 an unlawful benefit on an especially large scale).
The issue of selecting a preventive measure is currently being decided.
The pre-trial investigation is ongoing. Law enforcement officials do not rule out identifying other participants in the scheme and a possible expansion of the circle of suspects.
At the same time, the NABU emphasizes: in accordance with the Constitution of Ukraine, all individuals involved in the case are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
