Three charitable foundations in Lviv region uncovered the illegal import of over 700 vehicles.

Detectives from the Territorial Administration of the Bureau of Economic Security (BEB) in the Lviv region, in collaboration with border guards and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), uncovered three charitable foundations that facilitated the importation of over 700 used passenger cars into Ukraine without the payment of the necessary customs duties. The vehicles were brought in under the guise of humanitarian aid for the army, but were subsequently sold.

As reported on Monday, November 25, by the BEB and the Lviv Regional Prosecutor's Office, a group of individuals, including citizens of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, established illegal importation of vehicles disguised as humanitarian assistance for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In reality, the cars were sold for cash.

“According to the investigation, throughout 2024, the group organized the illegal importation of vehicles from EU countries, utilizing the details of charitable organizations. To smuggle the contraband across the customs border of Ukraine, the transporters presented documents containing false information, specifically regarding the alleged importation of vehicles as humanitarian aid for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Preliminary findings indicate that more than 700 cars were imported into Ukraine using this scheme,” the prosecutor's office stated.

Used cars were imported under the guise of humanitarian aid and sold

BEB detectives conducted a series of searches at the residences of the individuals involved and seized documents, 17 vehicles, and computer equipment. A criminal case is being investigated regarding the fact of smuggling (part 1 of Article 201-4 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine), and investigators are identifying all individuals involved in the illegal activities.