Black Sea Law Company has successfully defended the interests of a foreign Shipowner.
According to the customs authority, 13 tons of cargo transported by a foreign vessel under the flag of Palau, became a record consignment of contraband.
However, the legitimacy of the actions of the customs authority is questionable, as all the cargo of the vessel was declared, and the confiscated consignment of cargo was imported into the territory of Ukraine as the “transit”.
Instead, Customs drew up a claim against the Master under Art. 483 of the Customs Code and calculated the preliminary amount of the fine – more than 17 million UAH.
Despite increased attention from the public and the complexity of the case, the ship left the port without any detention or arrests.
At this stage, it is important for the Shipowner to ensure the continuous commercial activity of the vessel and avoid losses, and the next step will be a lawsuit to protect the rights of the Master and the Owners of illegally confiscated cargo.
