The SBI reported suspicion to customs officers who illegally reduced required payments during the import of russian methanol

The SBI continues its ongoing fight against corrupt officials who caused millions of losses to the state budget of Ukraine.

The SBI employees documented the scheme of so-called "preferential" customs clearance of russian-made methanol in 2018-19.

The russian company that was founded by two Ukrainian citizens was involved in this illegal scheme involved. The company imported 3,423 tons of methanol into the customs territory of Ukraine. However, officials of the Kharkiv customs office of the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine cleared it under the guise of paint dissolvents.

In this way, the importer avoided paying excise tax, resulting in losses to the state exceeding UAH 42 million.

Eight customs officers involved in the scheme were notified of suspicion of official negligence that caused grave consequences (Part 2 of Art. 367 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). Two more customs officers will be notified of the suspicion in the coming days.

The sanction of the article provides punishment in the form of imprisonment for up to 5 years.

The SBI is also verifying the fact of possible cooperation of two founders of the methanol importer with the aggressor country.

Currently, measures are being taken to seize the property of the suspects, and the role of the State Customs leadership in this scheme is being investigated.

Procedural guidance is provided by the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor's Office.