The ESBU expands cooperation with His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) of the United Kingdom

The preparation and signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine and His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) of the United Kingdom, the continuation of thematic training sessions for ESBU staff, and the exchange of information were agreed upon during the meeting between the First Deputy Director of the ESBU, Taras Shcherbai, and the Financial Crime Liaison Officer of His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) of the United Kingdom at the Embassy of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the Republic of Poland, Simon Morgan.

At present, the ESBU needs to draw on the experience of implementing personnel reform, strengthen its analytical capacity to prevent and investigate cases of economic crime, and establish joint investigative teams, in particular to counter smuggling, counterfeiting of goods, and the illicit circulation of tobacco products.

“The strengthening of the analytical component will make it possible to protect European Union funds more effectively and monitor the proper use of international technical assistance provided to Ukraine by international partners,” said Taras Shcherbai during the meeting.

For his part, Simon Morgan confirmed his readiness to consider the possibility of providing expert assistance in the mentioned areas and informed about the main principles of HMRC’s activities and the agency’s cooperation with other law enforcement bodies of the United Kingdom. Simon Morgan also proposed to continue the practice of conducting training sessions for ESBU employees on the use of analytical tools in investigating economic crimes next year.

As a result of the meeting, the parties agreed to maintain communication and strengthen cooperation on the mentioned issues.