Head of Lviv Customs Department Accused of Lifestyle Declaration Mismatch

Allegations of Informal Fees

Serhiy Kushnir, head of the Customs Payment Administration Control Department of the Lviv Customs, has become the centre of public discussion. Journalist Yevhen Plinsky published information about possible informal payments from car importers. According to his data, $200 was allegedly collected from each imported vehicle for the so-called "Yukhta Department". Currently, these claims require official investigation and confirmation.

Discrepancies in Real Estate Data

Separate doubts are raised by information regarding the official's place of residence. According to the declaration he submitted, Kushnir rents an apartment on Zdorovya Street in Lviv. Meanwhile, journalist Serhiy Seredych claims that, according to his sources, the official actually resides in the elite residential complex Avalon 37. Market estimates suggest that the cost of renting premises in this complex ranges from $700 to $1,800 per month.

Questions Regarding Vehicles

The situation with automobiles has also attracted public attention. The customs officer's declaration contains no data on owning a vehicle. However, as Seredych notes, sources report that Kushnir uses an Audi Q5, while his wife uses a Mazda CX-5, which is registered in the name of her father. There is currently no independent confirmation of these facts.

Appeal to Customs Leadership

Journalist Seredych called on the head of the Lviv Customs, Orest Mandziy, to pay attention to the circumstances outlined. This appeal comes against the backdrop of information about Kushnir's possible career prospects: he may be appointed as the first deputy head of the customs service instead of Yevhen Safonov.

Necessity of Verification

It is important to note that the claims presented are not evidence of corrupt actions or violations by the official. An objective assessment of the situation requires a detailed verification of the declaration, establishing the actual circumstances of the use of real estate and vehicles, as well as an official reaction from the responsible authorities.