In Volyn, authorities uncovered a smuggling ring trafficking Swiss watches valued at 35 million UAH.

At the customs post "Ustilug," located in the Volyn region, a smuggling operation involving jewelry and watches was uncovered. The total value of the goods seized during the searches is approximately 35 million UAH. This was reported on January 14 by the Office of the Prosecutor General.

Law enforcement conducted a search on the "Warsaw – Kyiv" passenger bus, which was entering Ukraine after completing customs clearance at the "Ustilug" customs post. During the inspection, hidden watches of various brands, pendants, bracelets, and watch parts worth over 10 million UAH were found and seized from the driver.

According to the investigation, the smuggling of jewelry, diamonds, and Swiss watches was organized by Ukrainian citizens residing in Poland. The goods were then sold for cash or cryptocurrency through their own shop without proper accounting and tax payments to the budget.

During further searches at the residences of the suspected smugglers and in the store, 46 Swiss watches were seized, with an estimated value of approximately 25 million UAH.

In connection with the smuggling of goods, detectives from the Bureau of Economic Security of Ukraine have initiated a pre-trial investigation (Part 2 of Article 201-3 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). The sanctions for this article provide for a penalty of up to 1.2 million UAH in fines or imprisonment for up to 10 years.