BES searches grain terminals in Odesa region

The BES detectives exposed a group of companies that evaded paying UAH 30 million in income tax.

According to the Bureau of Economic Security, these companies, which specialize in the storage and transshipment of agricultural products, are part of a holding registered in the United Arab Emirates.

The BES noted that this holding is already involved in criminal proceedings due to non-transparent activities and debts to American investment funds.

Photo: Bureau of Economic Security

According to the investigation, the officials underreported the cost of their services in tax reports. Instead of the market price of 800 hryvnias per ton, they reported only 200-300 hryvnias. The difference was transferred to controlled foreign companies and then illegally returned the cash to Ukraine.

During searches at a grain terminal in Odesa region, detectives seized documents with signs of forgery and other important evidence. However, representatives of the companies are trying to obstruct the investigation, refusing to cooperate, blocking access and hiding evidence.

In addition, it has been established that the actual owners of the holding, who are under sanctions, have set up a new company to continue their illegal activities. It is known that the High Court of England has previously ordered the seizure of their assets, but they are trying to avoid responsibility.

Earlier, the BES detained grain that they were trying to export from the port of Odesa.

Meanwhile, in Odesa region, the investigation was completed and the case on registration of a fictitious company that was planned to be used for illegal export of agricultural products was submitted to the court.

Also in Odesa, a trading company that deliberately evaded taxes was exposed. Such actions caused losses to the state budget of more than UAH 4.5 million.

Ірина Глухова