SBU states Intertelecom tries to avoid responsibility for telecommunication equipment smuggling

15:58

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has said the refusal by the Intertelecom mobile operator to install a communication interception system is unlawful and it considers a statement made by the leadership of mobile operator as attempts to avoid responsibility for equipment smuggling.

"Intertelecom,m via refusing to install a communication interception system, violates part four of Article 39 of the law of Ukraine on telecommunications and clause 3.13 of licensing conditions approved by the decree of the State Communications Committee of Ukraine No.132 of June 17, 2004, [and] thus it could loses its license," the press service of SBU reported on Wednesday.

The SBU said it carries out communications surveillance operations only under court rulings and under the control of the prosecutor's office.

SBU reported that a scheme for transporting contraband telecommunication equipment over the customs border of Ukraine was uncovered that contained the address of the mobile operator Intertelecom LLC. It was established that this August officials of the company submitted documents for goods to a customs agency with false information about the amount of cargo.

According to experts, the value of the equipment was over UAH 4 million.

"As a result of criminal activities by officials of the telephone company, the national budget of Ukraine failed to receive obligatory payments worth almost UAH 500,000," the press service said.

A criminal case on smuggling is being investigated, the press service said.

Previously, the mobile operator had commented on the requirements by SBU to install a communications interception system: "What our structures [SBU] want is beyond the legislation. That's why we took a principal position and said we are not against fulfilling your requirements. We are ready to do this in line with the current legislation. Communications interception can be carried out only under a court order, namely [an order] by the chairman or deputy chairman of the Appellate Court of Odesa region. We were offered the option of organizing an automatic system of communications interception. But at the same time, the law says that the operator is responsible for ensuring the protection of the secrecy of communications of its subscribers. We consider it our duty to ensure the right to a private life for our subscribers, as foreseen by Article 31 of the Constitution," Director General of Intertelecom Borys Akulov told the ATV-Odesa TV Channel following a search conducted in the main office of the mobile operator.

Intertelecom LLC (Odesa) ranks sevenths in terms of subscribers in Ukraine. This year it has increased its clientele by 2.5% or by 10,400, to 434,400 clients.