Ukrainian mafia collect zł.100,000 a day by controlling border crossing

The Krakowiec-Korczowa Polish-Ukrainian border crossing, used by 2 million drivers a year, generates over zł.100,000 a day for the Ukrainian mafia. The money comes from those who want to cross the border without queuing. Ukrainian customs officers who work for the mafia collect as much as zł.500 from each vehicle that otherwise would have to wait more than 48 hours. Smugglers who cross the border several times a day pay a set sum of between, $30-100. "All you have to do is give. Don't be afraid of customs officers, they are paid by us," said a source close to the mob. After you pay, all you have to do to exit the EU is to say "Get out of my way!" to the border police and be sure they open the gate and bow low. (Gazeta Wyborcza, p. 1) D.W.