Armed Men to Fend for Themselves?

A recent government decision seems to be just another attempt to make Ukraine’s law enforcement organs pay their own way. A Cabinet of Ministers’ decree, On Establishing a Procedure for Distributing Property Forfeited to State Executive Agencies Under Court Order, adopted back in July, proved short-lived, as to date no definite mechanism has been worked out for a just distribution of seized contraband goods. Meanwhile, healthcare institutions, educational and social security establishments, military garrisons, and charitable organizations have been patiently waiting for the haul.

Incidentally, this government edict is not new to Ukraine. Until 2000 a decree had been in effect under which 25% of proceeds from the sale of seized contraband were earmarked for the border troops and almost twice as much went towards the development of Ukraine’s customs service. The decree had been effective for five years. Over this period the state customs has become a full-fledged service and has gained a firmer foothold. It has built modern checkpoints and created adequate cross-border infrastructure. However, for unknown reasons their closest colleagues, the border guards, did not receive a penny from seized goods throughout this period, as the share due them was submitted to the state budget. But come 2000 the desired dividends were denied both to the customs service and the border guards.

Two years down the road the government came up with a new, arguably more socially just, decision. Now perishable goods are to be doled out to hospitals, schools, and kindergartens. Over the last seven months, border patrols alone have seized UAH 27,563,000 worth of contraband goods, of these 259.8 tons of meat and fish products, 321.3 tons of sugar, 178.9 tons of grain crops, and 269.9 tons of fruits and vegetables.

Now all of our law enforcement agencies have received a new stimulus to show themselves in action. The more violations the tax and customs officials as well as border guards uncover, the less will they have to ask from the government. Moreover, one should look to the upcoming budget deliberations. Beyond a shadow of doubt, funds will be in short supply again. Well, gentlemen, isn’t it high time you rolled up your sleeves?