SBU exposed Kyiv customs officers demanding 10% of coffee value for clearance

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has exposed the activities of a criminal group at the Kyiv Customs Service. Officials demanded 10% of the value of each kilogram of goods from coffee importers in exchange for unobstructed customs clearance.

Mechanism of "kickback" extortion

The organised group consisted of the head of one of the customs clearance departments and two of his subordinates — chief state inspectors of the customs post. According to the investigation, they deliberately created artificial obstacles for entrepreneurs importing green, unroasted coffee of various varieties from different producers.

In case of refusal to pay bribes, the customs officers threatened to draw up protocols for violations of customs rules, which could lead to administrative liability for the business. Two inspectors additionally threatened with confiscation of goods, fines, or inflated customs clearance costs. After importers agreed to pay the demanded amount, the inspectors personally met with company representatives and received the money.

Role of the organiser and documented facts

The scheme was led by a 49-year-old department head. He coordinated the actions of his accomplices and distributed the funds received from importers among the group members. Law enforcement officers have already documented several episodes of such criminal activity by the suspects.

Criminal liability and investigation progress

All three officials have been notified of suspicion. They are charged with extortion and receipt of improper benefit by an official, committed by an organised group, under Part 3 of Article 28 and Part 3 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

The offenders face punishment in the form of imprisonment for up to 10 years with confiscation of property. Comprehensive measures were carried out by employees of the Main Directorate of the SBU in Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast jointly with the Territorial Directorate of the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) in Kyiv, under the procedural supervision of the Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office.