In Odesa region, the SSU blocked the activities of a large-scale interregional money laundering center.

For almost 10 years, the dealers have been serving dozens of enterprises in the real sector of the economy, state and municipal companies, contributing to the minimization of taxes, the formation of illegal tax credits and the appropriation of targeted public funds. In 2020, the state lost more than UAH 600 m. (USD 22.2 m.) due to their VAT fraud.

Allegedly, the suspects registered illegal commercial entities on fictitious persons. More than 50 companies were involved in fraud.

They carried out financial and economic transactions with bogus firms, transferred money to their accounts, and then withdrew cash.

The dealers also provided services for the creation of fictitious tax credit schemes.

In 2020, the total amount of illegally generated VAT exceeds USD 22.2 m.

In 2019-2021, due to the activities of the center, a number of important and strategic projects failed to receive financing.

Among such projects are:

• reconstruction of the Odessa seaport dock;
• equipment modernization of shipbuilding company;
• supply of unique equipment to the power engineering enterprise, which is of strategic importance for the economy and security of Ukraine.

During 24 simultaneous searches of the money laundering center offices and the suspects’ residences, the law enforcement seized:

• over UAH 2 m. (USD 74.305) in cash;
• 123 seals of subordinate enterprises and their incorporation documents;
• electronic keys and office equipment with generated documents proving the illegal activities;
• primary accounting documentation and draft records.

The investigation is ongoing to prosecute the perpetrators for misappropriation, embezzlement or conversion of property by malversation.

The operation was carried out under the supervision of the Odesa Region Prosecutor's Office.