UAV control equipment seized in Chernivtsi en route to Italy

Equipment seizure at customs post

The Chernivtsi District Court of the city of Chernivtsi ruled to seize a set of equipment intended for controlling unmanned aerial vehicles for the state. This equipment was to be illegally exported from Ukraine to Italy. The driver of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter minivan transporting the cargo was fined 5,100 hryvnias.

The incident occurred on 19 July 2026 at the "Dyakivtsi" customs post of the Chernivtsi Customs. A Ukrainian citizen travelling to Italy on private business passed through the "green corridor" lane. During the oral questioning, the man stated that he was carrying only personal belongings and parcels for other individuals.

However, during the inspection of the luggage compartment, customs officers found a box with a "Nova Poshta" label among the suitcases, which had been sent from Kyiv to Chernivtsi. Inside was a set of a portable ground-based antenna station for controlling unmanned aerial vehicles. The kit included:

• two directional BlueBird Tech UYA Lite 915 MHz antennas;
• two planar patch antennas by Skif Robotics;
• a horizontal traverse with a gimbal head;
• a telescopic stand with a folding tripod;
• a coaxial cable.

The driver explained that the equipment did not belong to him, and he had merely agreed to deliver the parcel from Ukraine to Italy.

Court ruling and classification of the offence

According to the court ruling in case No. 725/11301/26 dated 11 November 2026, the detected equipment is classified as goods of military purpose and dual-use. Its movement across Ukraine's borders is possible only with the appropriate permit or conclusion from the State Export Control Service.

During the court hearing, the driver admitted his guilt and apologised. His actions were classified under Part 3 of Article 471 of the Customs Code of Ukraine, which provides for liability for the non-declaration of goods whose export is restricted or prohibited by law.

The court imposed a fine of 5,100 hryvnias on the man and ordered the confiscation of the entire antenna station for the benefit of the state. Additionally, 665.60 hryvnias in court fees were recovered from the offender. The customs' costs for storing the equipment were not recovered, as the equipment was confiscated rather than returned to the owner.