An Odessa-based carrier returned 7.7 million to the budget following an investigation

One of Odessa’s largest transportation companies has reimbursed the state budget 7.7 million hryvnias in unpaid taxes. The company, which provides urban, suburban, and intercity passenger transportation services, is now a subject of criminal proceedings.

This was reported by the press service of the Economic Crimes Bureau (ECB) in the Odesa region.

According to BEB investigators, between July 2024 and March 2025, the company’s director unjustifiably claimed a VAT tax credit. Specifically, the company reported transactions involving the purchase of transportation services, diesel fuel, and other goods that did not actually take place.

The total value of these transactions exceeded 38.6 million hryvnias. The company included this information in its tax returns and submitted them electronically to the tax service.

As a result, according to the investigation, the company underreported the amount of VAT that should have been paid to the state budget by more than 7.7 million hryvnias.

The company’s CEO was notified of charges under Part 2 of Article 212 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine—intentional tax evasion resulting in the non-payment of large sums to the budget.

During the pretrial investigation, the executive reimbursed 7.7 million hryvnias in unpaid taxes and also transferred 500,000 hryvnias to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Subsequently, a motion was filed with the court to exempt him from criminal liability.

Additionally, an Odesa-based construction company specializing in new construction failed to pay over 5 million hryvnias in income tax to the state budget. Following an investigation by the BEB, the company fully reimbursed the state for the losses incurred.

Анна Літман