The SBU blocked a scheme of illegal sale of gasoline and diesel fuel of doubtful quality. Searches revealed almost 230 tons of counterfeit oil products worth almost UAH 5 m (USD 178,628).

The criminals used facilities of one of the oil depots in Kyiv region for production of counterfeit fuel.

According to the preliminary investigation, the offenders mixed gas condensate and solvents of unknown origin with certified fuels and lubricants. Thus, they tried to increase the output and evade taxes. The counterfeit fuel was sold through controlled gas stations.

During searches of production facilities and offenders’ residences, law enforcement officers, in particular, found:

• • financial and economic documents with evidence of illegal activity;
• • draft accounting records.

The pre-trial investigation of illegal manufacture, storage, sale of excisable goods and intentional evasion of taxes in especially large amounts is ongoing.

The operation was conducted by the SBU Office in Poltava region jointly with the Main Directorate of the State Fiscal Service in Poltava region under the supervision of the Poltava region Prosecutor's Office.