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March 31, 2026, 6:27 p.m.
Odesa customs inspector detained on suspicion of systematic extortion
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PHOTO: Odesa Regional Prosecutor's Office
The regional prosecutor's office has served a notice of suspicion of corruption to the chief state inspector of one of the departments of Odesa Customs.
According to the prosecutor's office, investigators believe that the detainee set up a scheme to extort money from entrepreneurs exporting goods to the Republic of Moldova.
In particular, the customs officer set specific demands to an entrepreneur engaged in the transportation of children's and women's clothing and tableware. He had to pay illegal money for each truck with the products. The tariff for a truck was USD 1 thousand, and for a minibus - USD 500.
After payment, the suspect ensured unimpeded passage of customs control without documentary obstacles and long delays. During the investigation, it was recorded that in December last year, three minibuses and one truck passed through, and in January-February - seven trucks and four minibuses.
In total, the customs officer received $11.5 thousand, of which the first installment of $2.5 thousand was received in January. The official was detained after receiving the second tranche of $9,000 in unlawful benefit.
Prosecutors are charging the customs officer with extortion and receiving an unlawful benefit. At the request of the prosecutor's office, the court suspended the suspect from his position, and if found guilty, the customs officer faces imprisonment for a term of five to ten years with disqualification to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities for up to three years, with confiscation of property.
Earlier, law enforcement officers brought to court a case against the head of a village council in Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi district, who is suspected of extortion and bribery. The indictment has already been sent, and the woman may face a real prison term.
