SBU stopped the illegal manufacture and sale of wholesale batches of counterfeit excise goods in Khmelnitskyi city.

Allegedly, several locals set up illegal manufacture of bootleg alcohol for sale in clandestine shop arranged in one of the warehouses on the outskirts of the regional center. Using commercial personal ties, the attackers sell the finished goods under the guise of the Ukrainian and foreign brands.

During searches at places of manufacturing and storage of counterfeit alcohol, the law enforcement seized over 2.5 tons of counterfeit alcoholic beverages and 1.2 tons of alcohol. Furthermore, SBU officers found all equipment, packaging and forged excise stamps for manufacture of alcohol.

According to preliminary estimates, the cost of uncovered goods is almost UAH 1,200,000 (USD 42,858).

In the framework of criminal proceedings under Part 1 Art.199 and Part 1 Art.204 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine investigative actions are underway to establish all the circumstances of the case and bring to criminal responsibility all persons involved in the fraud.

The operation was carried out jointly with the Main Directorate of the State Fiscal Service in Khmelnytskyi region under the legal supervision of the Prosecutor's Office.