In Kirovohrad region, the SBU blocked the activities of a group that organized the illegal production and sale of petroleum products. Allegedly, the offenders sold wholesale consignments of poor-quality fuel for almost UAH 30 m. (USD 1 m.) every month.

To organize a large-scale production of counterfeit diesel fuel and gasoline, the group members set up an underground mini-plant on the territory of a private oil depot. They sold the goods to representatives of agricultural enterprises in Kirovohrad, Poltava and Vinnytsia regions.

During searches of underground mini-plant and offenders’ residences, law enforcement officers found over 200 tons of counterfeit fuel. The total cost tops UAH 5 m. (USD 178,571).

The SBU sent seized goods and equipment for examination.

According to investigation, the illegal business was organized by three local businessmen.

Within the criminal proceedings initiated for illegal manufacture, storage, sale or transportation for the purpose of sale of excisable goods, investigative actions are ongoing to bring to justice all the people involved in the illegal activity.

The operation was carried out jointly with the Main SFS Department in Kirovohrad region under the supervision of regional prosecutor's office.