Warsaw - Thirty-eight Polish customs officers were charged with taking bribes totaling some one million dollars over a period of nearly ten years, Polish media reported Tuesday.

The customs men worked in Lubelskie Province bordering Ukraine, and allegedly took bribes to speed up clearance or let goods across the border without inspection.

The small sums, in some cases a few dollars, were split among those who took part in the scheme.

The practice went on for years and for some provided a stable source of income, reported the Polish Press Agency.

Most of the accused customs men in the onfgoing trial voluntarily agreed to jail time, and will be required to return the money. (dpa)