The SBU blocked network of traders and gas stations that sold low-quality fuel. The scheme involved three companies registered in western Ukraine and eight gas stations in Ivano-Frankivsk region.

Apart from selling certified goods, the offenders were purchasing low-quality fuel at underground oil refineries. Allegedly, the owner of the gas stations chain in Prykarpattia also procured low-quality fuel directly from clandestine factories.

The clients ranged from ordinary drivers to critical infrastructure facilities. In addition, the operatives established that gas stations sold both certified and counterfeit fuel without relevant permits.

During the searches of the gas station owner’s office, oil stores of the enterprises-suppliers and the gas stations, law enforcement officers seized:

• draft accounting records proving the illegal activities,
• seals,
• almost 150,000 liters of diesel fuel and gasoline worth UAH 4.7 m (USD 167,858).

The court took the decision to seize the counterfeit fuel. The notices of suspicion will be served to the perpetrators after the examinations of selected fuel samples and other investigative actions.

The investigation is ongoing. The criminal proceedings were initiated upon unlawful manufacturing, storage, sale or transportation for selling purposes of excisable goods and laundering of criminally obtained money.

Documentation of illegal activities is being carried out by the SBU Office in Ivano-Frankivsk region and the SBU Main Department for Counterintelligence Protection of the State's Interests in Economic Security jointly with the State Fiscal Service in Ivano-Frankivsk region under the supervision of the Regional Prosecutor's Office.