Booking scandal: State Customs Service launches internal investigation

The State Customs Service of Ukraine has suspended from duty one of the heads of the personnel department who was detained in a case involving bribes for employing persons liable for military service with subsequent deferral from mobilization. The agency has also launched an internal audit of personnel appointments and booking procedures.

The press service of the State Customs Service reported this on October 16.

According to the agency, on October 15, investigative actions were conducted in the central office of the customs service with the participation of the National Police and the Security Service of Ukraine. They were carried out as part of criminal proceedings regarding the possible receipt of unlawful benefit by an official of the Personnel Department.

According to the investigation, the official facilitated the employment of persons liable for military service in territorial bodies of the State Customs Service, after which they could obtain a deferral from mobilization.

As previously reported by the SBU, the cost of such services was 25 thousand dollars. In addition, law enforcement officers suspect the official of facilitating for money the admission of entrants to a specialized university. For this, according to the investigation, he used personal connections among the leadership of the educational institution.

SBU officers documented several stages of transfer of unlawful benefit. The detainee was notified of suspicion under articles of the Criminal Code regarding organizing the acceptance of a bribe by a public official. If guilt is proven, he faces up to 12 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property.

The State Customs Service clarified that at the time of detention the employee was on leave, and law enforcement officers detained him outside the institution.

Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against the deputy head of the department – the head of the personnel selection and development department. He has been suspended from official duties.

At the same time, the agency initiated an internal audit that will cover compliance with established employment procedures and the justification of approaches to booking employees liable for military service.

The State Customs Service declared readiness to cooperate with the investigation and check the possible involvement of other officials in violations. The final legal assessment of the suspect's actions is to be determined by the court.

Sources: State Customs Service of Ukraine, SBU