The estimated amount of tax evasion is about UAH 240 m (USD 8,5m). Criminal proceedings were initiated upon the facts of:

• legalization or laundering of property obtained by criminal means,
• tax evasion,
• abuse of office,
• illegal manufacture of excisable goods.

It was documented that offenders set up a large-scale illegal scheme for the circulation and sale of low-quality petroleum products. In this way the perpetrators deliberately avoided paying taxes. The illegal activity caused large-scale losses to the state budget.

Currently, more than 140 searches were conducted in 13 offices, seven oil depots, 13 seagoing vessels, 105 gas stations and two customs clearance departments.

In order to collect evidence of illegal activity, the operative actions are conducted jointly with the State Tax Service, the State Labor Service and the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection.

The investigation is conducted by the State Fiscal Service under the supervision of the Prosecutor General’s Office.

The additional details will be announced later.

Note:

According to Art. 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of committing a crime and shall not be subjected to criminal punishment until his or her guilt is proved through legal procedure and established by a court verdict of guilty.