Customs officer from Chernivtsi caught red-handed with $100 for a smuggled phone

The State Bureau of Investigation, in cooperation with the internal security of the State Customs Service, detained the deputy head of one of the customs posts in Chernivtsi. He is suspected of systematically accepting bribes for smuggling Apple equipment.

According to the investigation, the official assisted entrepreneurs in importing popular mobile phone models without passing through customs control. He received $ 100 for each device.

This “service” included recommendations on how to disguise equipment to ensure unhindered passage through customs. In one case, he received $ 10,400 for assisting with the transport of a batch of gadgets.

The detention occurred while another portion of the bribe was being received. According to his instructions, part of the money had to be sent by mail to the entrepreneur, and the rest – 4.2 thousand dollars – was to be transferred to his wife.

During searches of the detainee’s apartment and at the customs post, significant amounts of money in various currencies, foreign bank cards, and mobile phones were seized.

The pre-trial investigation is ongoing, and investigators are identifying other customs officers who may be involved in this illegal activity.

The official is charged with receiving illegal benefits, committed by prior conspiracy of a group of persons. This law provides for up to 10 years’ imprisonment and the confiscation of property.

The detainee was placed under a preventive measure of detention, with the possibility of posting bail. The Chernivtsi Regional Prosecutor’s Office is responsible for the procedural management of the case.