Moldovan Customs Service collects about 21 billion lei in 2018

Chisinau, 19 December /MOLDPRES/ – The Customs Service (SV) has collected MDL 20.6 billion to the state budget, with over one billion lei more than in 2017. The data was presented today by the head of Customs Service, Vitalie Vrabie, at a press conference on the activity results for 2018.

According to the head of the Customs Service, an increase was also registered in the export of goods, which reached a value of MDL 38 billion, by MDL 2.1 billion more than in 2017.

"Some significant increases are also attested within anti – fraud chapter. This year there were 5,406 contravention cases, representing an increase of nearly 36 per cent compared to 2017. After the fines applied, there were accumulated MDL 7.8 million in the state budget (BS). Similarly, there have been registered 227 criminal cases in 2018, while 89 criminal cases have been sent to court. The value of goods set for criminal cases sent to court amounts up to MDL 68.6 million. Similarly, there has been a double increase within intellectual property rights protection, with 82 cases of detaining goods susceptible to counterfeiting," said Vitalie Vrabie.

The head of institution noted that SV has been continuing its efforts to modernise the infrastructure of customs posts. "The institution started the construction of three customs control areas in vicinity of Sculeni, Costesti and Giurgiulesti stations. Similarly, a Task book (CS) was drawn up for the construction of three customs terminals in the North, Centre and South customs offices. The infrastructure extension works are also planned for the crossing points at the Moldovan – Romanian border Sculeni – Sculeni, Leuseni – Albita and Giurgiulesti – Galati. Also, by the end of 2018, one of the most modern customs posts in the region will be opened in Palanca. It will be operated jointly by customs and border guards from Moldova and Ukraine, which will reduce the duration of border crossing, as well as diminish possible risks of corruption or fraud," said Vitalie Vrabie.

The Director of SV said that an important achievement is the commissioning of a stationary scanner, on 08 December 2018, for the control of goods transported by railroad. The scanning equipment was installed at the customs station Ocnita – feroviar. Also, the customs station Chisinau International Airport was equipped in May with a scanner for inspecting luggage. Three other baggage scanners will be donated in upcoming perspectives by the US State Department.