A Ukrainian customs official was involved in an e-cigarette smuggling case: assisted more than 140,000 e-cigarettes in entering the country illegally

A Ukrainian customs official was involved in an e-cigarette smuggling case: assisted more than 140,000 e-cigarettes in entering the country illegally

A Ukrainian customs official is suspected of abusing his power and facilitating the illegal import of 141,000 e-cigarettes, causing the country to lose about 1 million hryvnias ($24,214). The official has now been formally charged and faces up to six years in prison.

According to Zaxid on August 14, a Ukrainian customs official is being investigated for suspected involvement in e-cigarette smuggling.

The official is accused of abusing his power, causing the country to suffer losses of about 1 million hryvnias ($24,214).

In March 2023, in Bukovina, the customs official allowed three cars with 141,000 e-cigarettes to be transported from Romania to Ukraine without registration.

At present, the official involved has been informed that he has been formally charged for abuse of power and will be dealt with in accordance with Article 364, paragraph 2 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code.

The prosecutor is considering taking preventive measures against him and temporarily dismissing him from his position. If convicted, the official could face up to six years in prison, be deprived of the right to hold public office for three years, and pay a fine of around 17,000 hryvnias ($411.65).