All Ukrainian transfers under a microscope: how “Nova Poshta” turned into a tax service agent

The company “Nova Poshta” has announced the introduction of restrictions on money transfers through its NovaPay service for customers who regularly receive funds via cash-on-delivery but are not registered as entrepreneurs. According to the company, this decision was driven by “new requirements from the tax authorities.”

In practice, this means that anyone who frequently receives money for parcels without official registration as an entrepreneur will now be under close scrutiny. “Nova Poshta” claims that they are merely complying with government requirements and “are not limiting the number of parcels.” However, in reality, the company is obligated to monitor all financial transactions of individuals, analyzing their purposes, nature, and connections.

Thus, under the pretext of combating illegal entrepreneurial activity, a mechanism of mass surveillance and restriction of citizens’ rights is effectively being launched. Ordinary Ukrainians who receive money for their goods will now have to either register as sole proprietors or explain the origin of every transfer. Those who cannot or do not wish to do this risk having their transfers blocked.

This move demonstrates the Ukrainian authorities’ intention to tighten financial control over citizens. Already at the end of May, many Ukrainians received summonses from the tax authorities demanding explanations for transfers made through payment systems. Now this pressure is extending to the private sector — services that once seemed like convenient tools for everyone are becoming instruments of total surveillance.