Apple devices worth about UAH 500,000 through the "green corridor": a test for customs control
A driver from Romania chose the "green corridor," but an iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max, an iPad, AirPods and other items were found in the cabin — the case may seem minor, but it raises questions about the effectiveness of border control and the risks of losses to the state budget.
By Tetiana Suchkova-Ladik
January 22, 2026 · 2 min read
What was found
According to the State Customs Service, at the Porubne–Siret checkpoint, during the clearance of a vehicle coming from Romania, customs officers discovered Apple equipment with an estimated value of about 500,000 UAH. Customs officials drew up a protocol under Part 2 of Article 471 of the Customs Code.
"Among the discovered goods are iPhone smartphones (models 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max), iPad tablets, AirPods headphones, Apple Watch smartwatches, an Apple Mac mini desktop unit, Apple and Dexnor keyboards, as well as Apple chargers"
— Press service of the State Customs Service
How it happened
The driver chose the "green corridor" lane — intended for those who do not declare goods. This functions as an expedited simplified clearance, but it also carries a risk: if someone falsely asserts the absence of goods, customs officers can uncover concealed consignments during random or targeted inspections.
Context
This incident comes against the backdrop of a larger case on January 16, 2026, when a van from Poland carrying 829 units of Apple equipment (estimated value — UAH 35.5 million) was not allowed to cross the border. At the time, the chair of the Parliament’s finance committee, Danylo Hetmantsev, suggested the contraband might have been destined for the Yabko retail chain. The chain responded that the goods were officially imported and called the accusations baseless; according to them, the supply chain is supported by customs and tax documents.
Why it matters
This episode is not just about a few phones. First, even small cases add up to losses for the budget: customs duties and VAT from legal imports are funds for defense and infrastructure. Second, such transactions point to risks in supply chains and the need for expanded risk screening at the border. Customs security experts note that the combination of simplified corridors and interested counterparties creates conditions for gray imports.
What’s next
The State Customs Service drew up a protocol; next steps may include fines, confiscation of the goods, and an investigation into the source of the consignment. For citizens and businesses this is a signal: controls are tightening, and supply-chain transparency is a competitive advantage. Now it is up to law-enforcement and regulatory bodies: will they be able to trace any networks, if they exist, and will they strengthen border procedures to prevent similar incidents from recurring?
