The SBU exposed members of a criminal organization that illegally earned millions of hryvnias by selling tickets for international trains of Ukrzaliznytsia JSC, taking advantage of the increased demand for such tickets. So far, 10 people have been served with suspicion notices. UNN reports this with reference to the PGO.
"Under the procedural guidance of the Solomyansky Prosecutor's Office in Kyiv, members of a criminal organization that illegally earned millions of hryvnias by selling tickets for international trains of Ukrzaliznytsia JSC, taking advantage of the increased demand for such tickets, were exposed. As of now, 10 people have been notified of suspicion," the statement said.
According to the investigation, the "ticket business" was organized by the head of the Primary Trade Union Organization of the Kyiv-Pasazhyrskyi Station Carriage Section of the Passenger Company branch.
"He involved the deputy head of the station, train crew instructors and heads of international trains. The members of the criminal organization systematically sold passengers seats in service compartments and conductors' rest compartments that are not sold in the ticketing system, as well as free seats. They sold them at a price of 300-500 euros for one ticket for the Kyiv-Warsaw train at an official cost of 3700 UAH," the PGO informs.
Passengers paid money "in hand" to train managers or international conductors.
"In addition, before Ukrzaliznytsia introduced the passenger verification system through Diia.Signature, the scheme participants bought tickets for resale to passengers immediately before departure. Under such schemes, tickets were sold for the Kyiv-Warsaw, Kyiv-Chelm, Dnipro-Kyiv-Chelm-Kyiv-Dnipro, Kyiv-Premysl, Kyiv-Chisinau, and other international trains," the statement said.
Law enforcement officers documented the activities of these schemes between January and June 2024. The participants divided the money received among themselves.
"According to preliminary estimates, Ukrzaliznytsia lost more than UAH 73 million in profit as a result of unaccounted-for ticket sales. In the course of more than 80 searches, almost UAH 5 million in national and foreign currency, cars, draft records, documentation, phones, etc. were seized," the prosecutor's office said.
Depending on their role and participation, the suspects are charged with creating and leading a criminal organization, as well as participating in it and abuse of power or position (Art. 255(1-3), Art. 364(1), (2) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).
Addendum
Today, on December 11, the National Police, with the assistance of Ukrzaliznytsia , is conducting investigative actions in the case of officials' abuse of international passenger transportation.
Ukrzaliznytsia reportedthat searches were being conducted in Kyiv and Kyiv region to stop the activities of a criminal group that was "parasitizing" ordinary railroad workers.