Fraud of Half a Billion: Customs Exposed Schemes with Humanitarian Assistance.

National Security Protection

Since the beginning of the war, the State Customs Service of Ukraine has been rapidly facilitating the crossing of military and humanitarian aid across the border to ensure national security. Often among the humanitarian aid are vehicles, ammunition, and equipment for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

'The State Customs Service closely collaborates with the Ministry of Defense to monitor the intended purpose of the received assistance and to detect illegal activities. As a result of inspections, numerous violations of the law have been identified,' the statement reads.

According to customs data, a scheme was uncovered for the sale of vehicles imported as humanitarian aid for the Armed Forces of Ukraine via the internet. As a result, the organization imported nearly 440 vehicles worth over UAH 60 million, disguising this under charity.

It was also revealed that hunting weapons and ammunition were imported into Ukraine under the guise of humanitarian assistance, as well as helmets and bulletproof vests worth UAH 100 million based on false certificates. The ammunition was not transferred to the Armed Forces, and the materials were forwarded to the police.

In total, since the beginning of the conflict, 1339 protocols for violations of customs regulations regarding humanitarian aid have been compiled, and 920 reports on possible crimes related to assistance for the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been sent to law enforcement agencies. Fines have been imposed, and confiscations totaling UAH 325 million have been made.

Analysis

Ukrainian customs officers maintain constant control over humanitarian aid arriving in the country during the war. These measures are aimed at protecting national security and preventing the illegal use of humanitarian assistance.