As a result of a special operation in three regions of Ukraine, the SSU and the ESBU have neutralized a gang of counterfeiters. They were about to sell half a million counterfeit US dollars in Kyiv.

The SSU detained the organizer of the criminal group ‘red-handed’ on an attempt to sell a ‘test’ batch of 50,000 fake US dollars.

Through their connections in criminal circles, the members of the group were looking for wholesale buyers of counterfeit currency.

The fake notes were offered to customers at 60% of the market value of real foreign money.

According to the investigation, the organizer is a resident of Uzhhorod, who involved two accomplices - residents of Kyiv and Lviv.

During the searches of the suspects’ homes and cars, the SSU seized over USD 70,000, including 50,000 counterfeit ones, as well as special equipment for covert collection of information, other people’s passports, seals, gold items and paintings with signs of forgery.

Based on the collected evidence, the detained counterfeiter has been served a notice of suspicion under Article 199.2, 199.3 of the CCU (manufacturing, storage, acquisition, transportation, sending, importation into Ukraine for use in sale of goods, sale of counterfeit money, government securities in paper form, state lottery tickets, excise tax stamps or holographic security elements).

The suspect is in custody. Two other persons involved will be notified of suspicion shortly. The investigation is ongoing.

The perpetrators are facing up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The operation was carried out under the procedural supervision of Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office.