Odesa agricultural trader pays over UAH 14.5 million in back taxes following ESBU investigation

 Based on materials of the Territorial Office of the ESBU in the Odesa region, an agricultural trader attempting to illegally export soybeans has reimbursed over UAH 14.5 million in unpaid taxes to the state budget.

Using forged documents regarding the origin of the agricultural products, the suspects attempted to create the appearance of legal business operations to export 7,500 tons of soybeans to Turkey and Romania.

Detectives established that the suspects tried to export products of unverified origin through supply chains involving shell companies and individual entrepreneurs.

As a result of these intentional actions, the enterprise evaded UAH 14.5 million in taxes, an amount classified as especially large-scale.

During searches at the Odesa port and grain terminals in the Chernivtsi region, ESBU detectives seized over 6,000 tons of soybeans loaded onto a vessel and 1,600 tons of soy in 32 railway wagons. The total value of the seized products exceeds UAH 103 million.

The enterprise voluntarily reimbursed the unpaid taxes, and the funds have already been transferred to the state budget.

The pre-trial investigation in the criminal proceedings under Part 3 of the Art. 212 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (intentional tax evasion) is ongoing. Efforts are underway to identify the full circle of individuals involved in the illegal activities.

Operational support was provided by the Strategic Economic Protection Detectives Unit and the Department for Combating Smuggling and Customs Violations of the State Customs Service.

The case is being prosecuted by the Odesa Regional Prosecutor's Office.