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Automatically translated version. May contain inaccuracies compared to the original.
🚛 Another hidden tobacco stash in a truck: in the Lviv region a Veltrans Ukraine driver was tried for concealment under the steering wheel and in the seat
📋 Essence of the case
16 In August 2026, an empty MAN truck with a semi-trailer, driven by a driver for Veltrans Ukraine, Orest Mykytyn, arrived at the Krakovets customs post heading out of Ukraine to Poland. When crossing the border via the “red corridor,” the man completed a customs declaration and verbally assured that he was not transporting any goods.
However, during control using the ASMO “Center” X-ray television equipment, suspicious inserts were found in the cab. After removing the steering wheel cover, the car stereo, and the rear part of the seat back, customs officers seized cigarettes concealed from inspection without excise tax stamps: 145 packs of “COMPLIMENT blue” (a total of 2900 cigarettes). According to the expert report dated 02 September 2026, their market value amounted to 18 209,10 UAH.
Reviewing the case materials in the absence of the offender, on 06 October 2026 the judge of the Halytskyi District Court of Lviv, O. B. Krotova, found that there was direct intent and proved Orest Mykytyn’s guilt in committing the offense provided for in part 1 of article 483 of the Customs Code of Ukraine.
This was reported by the Telegram channel “Sudom po skhemakh” citing case No. 461/7430/26.
⚖️ Court decision
The court ruled:
• 💰 To find Orest Mykytyn guilty and impose a fine of 50% of the value of the seized goods — 9 104,55 UAH;
• 🚫 To confiscate the seized tobacco products to the state;
• 📦 To recover from the offender 128,73 UAH for storage costs at the customs warehouse;
• 🏛️ To recover 665,60 UAH in court fees in favor of the state.
💡 Advice from the Telegram channel “Sudom po skhemakh”
• 🛑 Avoid concealed transport: Modern scanning systems and RMS (risk management systems) at customs posts easily detect hiding places in the cab or structural cavities of a vehicle.
• 💸 Assess financial risks: Concealing excisable goods will inevitably lead to their confiscation, a fine of 50% of the value of the property, and mandatory payment of storage costs and court fees.
• 📄 Complete the declaration truthfully: Providing false information during written declaration is treated by the court as direct intent to commit an offense under article 483 of the CCU.
Telegram publication