Four inspectors from a unit of Odesa customs have been exposed for systematically accepting bribes from transporters.

The Odesa regional prosecutor's office, together with the SBU and investigators from the State Bureau of Investigation, uncovered the corruption among these customs officials.

According to the investigation, instead of fighting smuggling, customs officers established a corrupt scheme, forcing entrepreneurs to pay for the unhindered movement of goods across the border.

The bribe amount ranged from 120 to 200 US dollars for each vehicle.

Given the average volume of exports, this scheme could yield up to 5,000 US dollars weekly from just one crossing point.

Currently, the four officials have been charged under Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (receiving unlawful benefits).

The prosecution is initiating preventive measures against the suspects and their suspension from their positions. The pre-trial investigation is ongoing.