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In Chelyabinsk region customs officials charged with especially large-scale bribe-taking

The Urals Transport Investigation Department of the Russian Investigative Committee has brought charges against head of the Chelyabinsk Customs Security Department, police operative for especially important cases of the same Department, shift Deputy Head of Customs post of inter-district vehicle checkpoint “Bugristoye”, in a crime under part 6 of article 290 of the Russian Criminal Code (bribe-taking by an organized group with extortion and on a large scale). The lawyer of OOO Avangard (Ltd.) is charged with crimes under part 3 of article 33 and part 6 of article 290 (bribe-taking by an organized group with extortion and on a large scale committed by an organizer of the crime). In addition, customs registration specialists of the firm “Yevroaziatsky logistichesky tamozhenny broker” is prosecuted as an accomplice under part 5 of article 33 and part 6 of article 290 of the Russian Criminal Code.

According to a version by investigators, in 2010-2011, the accused extorted money from businessmen on the “Bugristoye” checkpoint in the town of Troitsk in Chelyabinsk region threatening to detain fast-perishable cargoes. The victims, fearing negative consequences connected with the loss of cargoes and considerable losses were forced to give bribes directly to “Bugristoye” shift deputy head of customs post and representative of the logistics company. According to information obtained by the investigation, the members of the organized group got from businessmen a total of more than 10 million rubles bribes.

The illegal activity of the Chelyabinsk customs officials and representatives of commercial organizations was stopped due to the active help of the Chelyabinsk regional FSB Department.

Under the motion of the investigators, the two customs officials were put into custody. Three other members of the group concluded a pre-trial co-operation agreement. The investigation is to be continued.