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The initiative "Ukraine without smuggling"  introduced by the Government is not a one-time event, but  is aimed at exerting pressure on smugglers and officials who involved in shadow schemes, and this pressure will only increase at all levels - up to the introduction of amendments to the legislation on the criminalization of actions that promote gray imports and smuggling. This was announced by Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman during the all-Ukrainian teleconference on combating smuggling  at the border.

"This is not a one-off event. The pressure will not decrease, said the Head of Government. - We will thoroughly analyze the work of the customs, there will be taken rigid decisions. We won't keep quiet about this... We will improve the system in order to ensure the mechanisms for combatting smuggling are effective . Thus, we will also submit to the Parliament amendments which stipulate for criminalization (actions contributing) to smuggling to the legislation".

The Prime Minister called on all stakeholders- both officials and law enforcement agencies  at all levels – to demonstrate coordinated actions in order to overcome serious challenges openly, honestly and in the interests of citizens. He also stressed that those people who are facilitating smuggling will be brought to justice.

Volodymyr Groysman stressed that smuggling jeopardizes industrial development  and honest business. Therefore, the importance of a clear implementation of decisions approved  by the Government in this area is more than obvious. "I will make sure that all decisions are being carried out. All schemes are to be eradicated. This is the personal responsibility of the Government and law enforcement agencies. I expect the entire law-enforcement bloc  to  demonstrate  uncompromising actions in the fight against smuggling. We will monitor the situation, including through the hotline. Honest business will be protected ", the Head of Government underscored.

Background

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine in synergy  with the law enforcement agencies, the Prosecutor General's Office, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office  and the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine  elaborated an action plan"Ukraine without smuggling"  aimed at the effective fight against smuggling and shadow schemes at the customs.  Commenting on the decision, the Head of Government assured that the law enforcement agencies  are strongly committed to fighting smuggling, because the existence of such a disgraceful  phenomenon jeopardizes the development of the economy and destroys the industry. "Our collaborative efforts will allow to  bring those are involved with smuggling to responsibility. We will eradicate the shadow schemes and bring each hryvnia to the budget, Volodymyr Groysman emphasized. - The blueprint is ready and we will present it. But I warn everyone already: be careful and start serving the state. Each hryvnia should be in the budget. This is fundamentally important".

According to experts, the smuggling and gray import which take  place today at the  border, are one of the greatest reputational risks and challenges for Ukraine. According to various calculations, the volume of shadow schemes in some sectors of the economy reaches 60-80%, and in absolute figures – UAH 70-100 billion. This is money taken from the state budget and these are  economic resources that Ukraine losses.