(MENAFN- UkrinForm) This was stated in a comment to Ukrinform by Andrii Rubel, Head of the Department of Strategic Investigations (DSI) of the National Police.

“In wartime, we have encountered phenomena that were not previously so widespread - for example, the illegal transportation of people across the state border and the trade in captured weapons or ammunition, including sales to organized crime. Such offenses pose an enormous threat to national security because they undermine the country's defense capacity and create fertile ground for organized criminal groups. In my view, the penalties for these crimes must be strengthened,” Rubel said.

According to him, this includes stricter sanctions in the Criminal Code, higher bail amounts, and - for organizers of criminal schemes - mandatory pre-trial detention without alternative measures.

Commenting on white-collar crime (offenses committed by individuals with high social status), Rubel noted that most such schemes follow similar patterns: tax evasion, particularly of VAT and profit tax; fictitious work completion reports; laundering of illegal assets; and money transfers through complex chains of shell entities.

“These are essentially the basic building blocks of organized crime. To reduce the risks, we need both punitive measures and strong preventive mechanisms that can stop such schemes from developing,” the DSI chief explained.

As an example, he suggested clearly defining the point at which budget funds cease to be considered 'budgetary' - whether after an advance payment, signing of a completion certificate, or actual use of the goods or services.

“This would establish a clear control point,” Rubel said.

He also emphasized the need to set“reasonable profit margins” for contractors in public procurement.

“If a company inflates its profits by 200–300%, that's no longer business - that's a scheme,” he stressed.

Rubel further proposed creating a unified banking system to service defense contracts - covering the entire process from the customer to the final subcontractor. According to him, such a system would ensure full transparency of payments and allow funds to be released to manufacturers only after verification of documents by the bank.

“This would make overpricing and abuse immediately visible,” he said.

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He added that banks should notify tax authorities when company directors withdraw large sums of cash without explaining their purpose, and highlighted another crucial area - the fight against smuggling, particularly by small cargo vans (“buses”).

“Only real-time online data exchange under the tax-free regime with neighboring countries can help - so that no goods cross the border without a trace,” Rubel noted.

At the same time, the DSI head said that Ukraine's current legal framework is generally sufficient for an effective fight against organized crime.

“We already have the necessary tools and practical experience. But there are new issues that need to be addressed - for instance, the use of cryptocurrencies in criminal schemes. This area still lacks clear legal definitions and control mechanisms, which gives criminals room to maneuver,” Rubel explained.

He added that the criminal underworld constantly adapts, finding new loopholes and using modern tools - from cryptocurrencies to cross-border financial schemes.

“If we want to stay ahead, the law must keep pace with these changes. It's not just about harsher punishments - it's about a comprehensive update of our approach: from clearer regulation of financial flows and transparency in public procurement to adequate accountability. The law must reflect the reality of wartime, where such crimes pose a direct threat to national security,” Rubel concluded.

As Ukrinform reported, October 9 marks the anniversary of the establishment of the Department of Strategic Investigations of the National Police of Ukraine.

Photo: State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGSU)

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