He also stated that, in total, more than 300 criminal proceedings have been initiated for violation of sanctions against Russia and Belarus.
According to Zukulis’ forecast, the number of criminal proceedings started this year for violation of sanctions against Russia and Belarus will probably slightly exceed last year’s result.
He also stated that in 2023, more than 2,170 customs procedures were suspended in the field of export and import during the whole year, but this year the number of suspended customs procedures has already exceeded 2,400. “The number of cases that we have detected is not decreasing,” noted Zukul.
He said that in exports to Russia and Belarus, cases where they tried to export cars, heavy tractors, as well as electrical engineering and various devices were most often prevented, while attempts were made to import wood products, fodder and metal products from Russia and Belarus.
“This potential fraud is attempted to be realized by changing the country of origin or incorrectly indicating the country of origin of the goods,” Zukul added.
He also pointed out that the amount of smuggled cigarettes detected this year is about three times higher than last year, which is also related to the fact that some large cases of smuggled cigarettes were detected this year. This year, customs officials also intercepted significant shipments of hashish to Russia.
Asked why the amount of smuggling is increasing, Zukul expressed the opinion that perhaps “there is a greater concern in the countries with which we border”.
He also mentioned that a new trend has emerged, illegal cigarettes produced in the European Union have been detected.
Zukul pointed out that if smuggled goods originating in Belarus are still detected most often, then illegal cigarettes produced in the European Union could be in second place.