The SBU documented facts of illegal sale of excisable goods of the oil refining industry on an industrial scale in different Ukrainian regions.

Allegedly, in Kirovohrad region, representatives of an oil refinery established the sale of motor fuel without paying excise tax. To this end, they set up underground production of petrol and diesel fuel at the plant's production facilities.

The dealers sold the finished goods under the guise of solvents and other goods that are not subject to excise duty through a network of controlled petrol stations in Kyiv, Chernivtsi, Vinnytsia, Ivano-Frankivsk and Kirovohrad regions.

According to the experts, the scheme resulted in UAH 8 million (USD 279,700) losses to the state budget.

During the searches of the underground oil refinery, the law enforcement officers seized 540 tons of unaccounted oil products worth almost UAH 13,5 million (USD 472,000), more than UAH 2 million (USD 69,900) and USD 22,000 in cash, probably illegally obtained. The law enforcement officers also seized computer equipment, seals, documents and draft records proving the illegal activities.

Within the criminal proceedings upon the fact of evasion of taxes, duties or other compulsory payments, the investigation is ongoing to bring to justice all those involved.

The operation was conducted jointly with the Main Department of the State Fiscal Service in Kirovohrad region under the supervision of Kirovohrad Region Prosecutor's Office.