The National Police of Ukraine has opened criminal proceedings against Philip Morris Ukraine, one of the largest tobacco companies in Ukraine, regarding its tax liabilities in the amount of UAH 635 million.

"I think the issue is extremely complicated in terms of budget and decision-making, as UAH 635 million is quite a big responsibility," Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman said at a meeting with business representatives in Kyiv.

According to business ombudsman Algirdas Semeta, the criminal proceedings were instituted after the company's tax dispute with the State Fiscal Service.

He also stressed the need for further changes in Ukraine's legislation to reduce pressure from law-enforcement agencies on business. The method of initiating criminal proceedings by the tax police has been changed: now they are initiated through the National Police, the prosecutor's office, the Security Service and other security agencies.

"Pressure on business by the security forces has not disappeared," the business ombudsman said.