Odesa resident fined for attempting to bring thermal imager into Romania

Viktor Buzaji, a resident of Odesa Oblast, received an administrative penalty for attempting to illegally move special equipment across the state border. The court found a violation of thermal imager transportation rules, but the charge of transporting cold weapons was deemed unproven due to the impossibility of conducting a proper expertise.

Circumstances of goods discovery

According to case file No. 521/14967/26, the incident occurred during an attempt to leave for Romania. The driver of a Ford Kuga arrived at the "Orlivka" border crossing point and chose the "green corridor," declaring that he was not carrying goods subject to declaration or restricted in movement.

During a joint border and customs inspection, inspectors found the following in the trunk among personal belongings:

• a Lahoux Optics Scope 35 thermal imager with a mount;
• a Throns Compound Bow disassembled into nine parts;
• seven arrows for this bow.

The owner of the items did not provide any permit documents. He explained that the equipment was intended for personal use and that he was unaware of the need to obtain permits.

Legal aspects of case review

The court considered the issues regarding the thermal imager and the bow separately, as they fall under different regulatory acts. In accordance with Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Resolution No. 1807, certain types of infrared and thermal imaging equipment are classified as military goods. Their international movement is subject to state control and may require special permits.

Regarding the bow, in accordance with Ministry of Internal Affairs Instruction No. 622, cold weapons include samples where the bowstring draw force exceeds 20 kg. Special permits may be required for their transport outside Ukraine.

Court decision and punishment

On 13 October 2026, the Khadjibei District Court of Odesa reviewed this case. During the hearing, it emerged that the customs laboratory could not examine the bow due to the lack of necessary equipment. Since the customs service failed to prove that the bowstring draw force exceeded the established threshold of 20 kg, the court deemed the charge of transporting cold weapons unproven.

At the same time, the violation of thermal imager movement rules was proven. The court noted that the device belongs to military goods, which are prohibited from being transported through the "green corridor" without proper declaration and permits.

Judge O. A. Tikhonova found Viktor Buzaji guilty under Part 3 of Article 471 of the Customs Code of Ukraine. He was sentenced to a fine of 5,100 hryvnia without confiscation of property.

The thermal imager and compound bow were ordered to be returned to the owner after payment of the fine, a court fee of 665.60 hryvnia, and customs storage costs at the warehouse, which amounted to 287.89 hryvnia.