SBU Main Directorate for Combating Corruption and organized Crime blocked the criminal group, specializing in smuggling of poor-quality medicines and falsified express-tests for COVID-19 diagnosis into Ukraine.

The dealers delivered medicines of oncological group and fake coronavirus tests from Turkey to Ukraine, hiding the products in containers with clothes and thus avoiding customs clearance. The transportation took place without keeping the temperature regime, which could have led to severe consequences for the people’s health.

SBU documented the dealers’ selling of oncological medicines and express-tests without any permits, personally and via the Internet. The goods were stored in unsanitary conditions in a basement in Kyiv.

During the searches of the storing places, the law enforcement seized medicines and tests worth UAH 1 million (USD 250,000). The investigation is ongoing in order to identify and bring to justice all the persons involved into the illegal activity.