International shipping "in the shadows": ESBU ensures recovery of nearly UAH 5 million in taxes in Bukovyna

 Detectives of the Territorial Office of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine in the Chernivtsi region have ensured the reimbursement of nearly UAH 5 million in unpaid taxes to the state budget by an entrepreneur who organized international passenger transportation.

The investigation established that a resident of Ternopil organized regular trips on the Ukraine–Italy route. The ticket price for a single passenger ranged from 50 to 120 euros.

The funds received from the passenger transportation were not reflected in the financial and tax reports. The entrepreneur concealed real income and used 'shadow' settlements, which allowed him to evade payment of the unified tax, personal income tax, and military tax.

As a result of these actions, UAH 4.9 million in taxes was not paid to the state budget.

The individual was notified of suspicion under Part 1, Article 212 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (tax evasion).

During the pre-trial investigation, the damages caused to the state were compensated in full. A motion to release the person from criminal liability has been submitted to the court.

Operational support was provided by the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) staff in the Ternopil region. Procedural management was carried out by the Chernivtsi Regional Prosecutor's Office.