SSU blocked large scale distribution of counterfeit cigarettes. The owners of illegal business made millions on distribution of counterfeit cigarettes in the most regions of Ukraine.

Allegedly, the offenders bought the excisable products via mediators of production plants evading official taxes. In Ivano-Frankivsk and Zhytomyr regions they kept the counterfeit in clandestine storages. The offenders distributed the wholesale of counterfeit throughout Ukraine under the guise of well-known brands both with and without counterfeit excise stamps.

The perpetrators used Telegram messenger to attract new customers (preliminary small and medium businesses). Then, the counterfeit cigarettes were sent to clients through mail services.

During 12 searches, the law enforcement seized the following items:

• raw material for manufacturing cigarettes and final products amounting to UAH 1 m. (USD 37,6 thousand);
• computer equipment proving the illegal activity;
• black documentation and bank cards with evidence of illegal transactions and money-laundering;
• more than UAH 12 m. (USD 451,000) in cash.

The investigation of counterfeit activity is ongoing to prosecute persons involved into illegal activity. The experts estimate the damage to the state budget due to tax fraud.

The operation was carried out by the SSU Office in Zhytomyr region under the supervision of Korosten District Prosecutor`s Office.