Photo: Law enforcement officials uncovered a large-scale scheme to sell cars under the guise of humanitarian aid
The Security Service of Ukraine, in cooperation with the Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office, dismantled an organized criminal group that was illegally importing vehicles into Ukraine under the guise of humanitarian aid.
The perpetrators set up a scheme through which more than 3,000 vehicles were imported without paying the required customs duties, causing significant losses to the state budget.
The organizers of the criminal activity used the details and documentation of a number of charitable foundations that were registered under the names of front men.
Using the seals and electronic signatures of these organizations, the perpetrators submitted fictitious documents to customs authorities stating that the vehicles were intended for military units.
In reality, none of these vehicles reached the military, as they were imported solely for the purpose of subsequent commercial sale.
The criminals sold the vehicles through specialized platforms and actively advertised them on social media, reaping illegal profits.
During a large-scale special operation, law enforcement officers detained four key members of the group—two organizers of the “car business” and two of their accomplices.
During authorized searches of the suspects’ premises, relevant documentation from charitable foundations and eight vehicles prepared for sale were seized.
Currently, the four suspects have been officially notified of their status as suspects in criminal offenses under articles concerning smuggling and the legalization of proceeds obtained by criminal means.
The crimes are classified as having been committed by a group of individuals acting in concert, which carries severe penalties under current Ukrainian law.
The court considered the motion filed by the Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office and ordered that all detainees be held in pretrial detention.
However, both organizers of the scheme are eligible for bail, set at 6.6 million hryvnias each.
This was reported by the Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office.
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