In Luhansk region, the SBU blocked clandestine laboratory producing counterfeit alcohol.

Allegedly, the private entrepreneur from Hirske city together with the current employee of the State Emergency Service organized the illegal business. The dealers set up the clandestine laboratory in the businessman's garage. To produce alcohol, the persons procured unaccounted alcohol at distilleries in Kharkiv region. Every month, the dealers produced almost a ton of finished “goods”, for further sale under the guise of domestic brands through retail chains in Lysychansk, Hirske, Zolote cities and residential areas near the contact line.

Reportedly, the dealers managed to sell almost 20 tons of counterfeit alcohol for more than UAH 4 million (USD 145,400).

The criminal proceedings were initiated  upon the fact of unlawful manufacturing and sale of excisable goods. The law enforcement officers conducted 9 searches in the suspects’ residences, shops and vehicles, which were used to deliver counterfeit goods to customers. During the investigation, almost 1.5 tons of counterfeit alcohol were seized.

The issue of attaching the exempt material evidence is being decided. The notices of suspicion of committing the crime are being prepared.

The investigation is ongoing. All the circumstances of the case, other persons involved in the scheme, and suppliers of unaccounted alcohol are being checked.

The operation was conducted jointly with the Main Directorate of State Fiscal Service and the Prosecutor's Office of Luhansk region.