Agro traders accused the Bureau of Economic Security of hindering operations at enterprises in the Odesa port.

Agricultural traders have reported that representatives from the Bureau of Economic Security (BEB) have been blocking the operations of dozens of companies at the Odesa port since December 19.

This was shared by representatives of the firms during a press conference at Interfax-Ukraine.

The enterprises are experiencing significant losses due to the work stoppage. Specifically, LLC "Attolo Granum," which paid over 25 million UAH in taxes last year, is losing more than 750,000 UAH per day due to the blockade of its operations.

Lawyers indicate that the searches are being conducted unlawfully: there has been no court order for asset seizure, yet inspections continue daily with no investigative actions taking place.

“Detectives arrive every morning at the search site, where they read a ruling about the need to ‘resume’ investigative actions, and by the evening of the same day, a detective reads a notice about the ‘suspension’ of investigative actions. Simultaneously, the ruling from the Kyiv District Court mentions a search, but there is not a single word about the asset seizure that is actually occurring,” shared one of the defenders.

Company representatives believe that the actions of BEB are aimed at obstructing economic activities, which could harm not only businesses but also Ukraine as a whole, especially considering that this is happening in the context of a full-scale war and the blockade of the “grain corridor.” Business leaders have filed complaints with the Office of the President, the Attorney General, the State Bureau of Investigation, BEB, and the Business Support Council. There have been no responses to these inquiries so far.

Background. Earlier, Mind reported that BEB announced the uncovering of a group of companies that evaded paying 30 million UAH in taxes. According to the detectives, the enterprises involved in grain transshipment deliberately understated their tax base – at least 2.5 times lower than the market value. The Bureau also stated that representatives of the companies are obstructing investigative actions: they refuse to provide documents, hinder searches, and attempt to conceal evidence.