Migrant workers switch to gold

Reports are increasingly emerging that gold bars are being seized from Ukrainian citizens working abroad at customs checkpoints. At the same time, the flow of money that migrant workers send from abroad to their families has decreased.

Gold smuggling

Today, it became known that officers at the Lviv customs post seized eight 999-fine gold bars hidden in a paint can. The cargo was being sent to the country from the United Kingdom. Its value is just under 20 million hryvnia.

Previously, 2 kg of gold was seized at the Kharkiv customs post. On average, similar parcels are found at least once a month.

However, according to statistical data, customs services detect no more than 30% of all smuggled cargo. In Ukraine, this figure does not even exceed 10%. From this, it is not difficult to imagine the scale of gold and other expensive items entering the country.

However, why buy gold abroad, given that its price in Ukrainian banks differs only slightly?

Why migrant workers invest in gold

The answer is obvious. First, gold is much easier to carry across the border than cash of the same value. It takes up less space in luggage. In addition, people have simply stopped trusting Ukrainian banks. Endless hidden fees and overcharges deter buyers of precious metals.

All this and much more force migrant workers to buy precious metals abroad and import them illegally, as the amount significantly exceeds the threshold that does not require duty payment.

What should those who failed to pass customs without hindrance do? Will they have to part with the imported cargo forever?

In fact, there is a way out even from such a situation. However, it will require time and financial investment. The smuggler will have to spend money on a competent lawyer. Undeclared items can only be recovered through the courts. To do this, it is necessary to provide a description of the seized items and other documents issued by the customs service upon seizure.

It is important to understand, however, that it will not be possible to avoid a fine.