In the Lviv region, the Security Service of Ukraine exposed an organized group specializing in the wholesale trade of counterfeit excisable products. During the searches of the warehouses and suspects’ garages, the law enforcement seized almost 400,000 packs of counterfeit cigarettes worth almost UAH 18 m (USD 650,000).

The law enforcement officers also found off-the-book records and cash in different currencies worth over UAH 3 m (USD 107,000).

Allegedly, several local residents set up a scheme for the sale of counterfeit tobacco products with forged excise stamps under the guise of well-known world brands. The suspects sold wholesale batches of products through affiliated shops in the region.

The criminal proceeding was initiated upon the fact of illegal manufacture, storage, sale or transportation for sale of excisable goods. The investigation is ongoing to establish all the circumstances of the case and bring to justice other persons involved.

Information on possible smuggling of counterfeit products abroad is being checked.

The operation was carried out jointly with investigators of the Main Department of the State Fiscal Service in Lviv region under the supervision of Lviv Region Prosecutor's Office.