In Kyiv region, law enforcement uncovered a scheme for selling cars that were imported from Europe under the guise of free humanitarian aid for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. According to the investigation, the organizers of the illegal business were a father and son who used charitable organizations to exempt vehicles from customs payments.
On October 27, the Bureau of Economic Security of Ukraine reported this.
According to the investigation, the suspects found used cars on European online platforms and purchased them for subsequent import into Ukraine. When crossing the border, the vehicles were cleared under declarations of humanitarian aid, and their recipients were listed as charitable foundations and military units.
This scheme allowed the transport to be brought in without paying import duty, excise tax, and VAT. According to the documents, the cars were supposed to be transferred free of charge to Ukrainian military personnel.
However, as law enforcement established, the vehicles were initially intended for commercial sale. Buyers were sought through car online platforms and thematic groups in messengers, and payments were made in cash.
Among the buyers were not only civilians, but also military personnel themselves. Thus, the military had to pay for transport that was documented for free transfer for defense needs.
According to the Kyiv Regional Prosecutor's Office, for storing and selling the vehicles, the suspects equipped a trading area on leased land owned by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
During a controlled operation, law enforcement documented the transfer of vehicles to the buyer and receipt of money. After that, one of the alleged organizers was detained.
According to the prosecutor's office, the investigation established the import and sale of at least 32 vehicles with a total value of more than 2 million hryvnias. During searches at the suspects' residences and at the car lot, another 48 vehicles were seized, which were presumably being prepared for sale.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Economic Security cites somewhat different figures: 29 cars sold and 49 seized during initial searches. The agencies have not yet explained the discrepancy in statistics.
In addition to the vehicles, investigators seized mobile phones with correspondence, rough accounting records, customs declarations, and other documents that may confirm the illegal activity.
The documents accompanying the transport when crossing the border contained a note that the vehicles were humanitarian aid and not subject to sale.
The value of the seized vehicles is still being established. According to the prosecutor's office, the vehicles have been transferred for safekeeping to one of the institutions of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
The father and son were notified of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 201-4 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — smuggling of excisable goods, committed by prior conspiracy by a group of persons.
One of the suspects was remanded in custody with the possibility of bail in the amount of 1 million hryvnias. For the second suspect, the prosecutor's office requests detention with an alternative bail of 2 million hryvnias.
The pre-trial investigation is ongoing. Detectives are establishing the total number of vehicles imported and sold, the amount of damage to the state budget, and also checking the possible involvement of other persons.
The investigation is conducted by employees of the territorial department of the Bureau of Economic Security in Kyiv region with the assistance of the Security Service of Ukraine, the State Border Guard Service, the National Police, and customs authorities. The guilt of the suspects must be established by the court.
