In Chernihiv city, the SBU blocked illegal production and sale of wholesale batches of counterfeit excisable products of dubious quality.

Allegedly, the scheme was organized by several residents of the city. The offenders made counterfeit alcohol using raw materials of unknown origin in unsanitary conditions. They set up a clandestine laboratory in the garages.

They sold finished products under the guise of well-known domestic and foreign brands via one of the wholesale bases and affiliated retail outlets of the region.

During the searches of the offenders’ residences and the garages, the law enforcement seized almost 1,5 tons of alcohol of unknown origin, approximately 1,500 liters of counterfeit alcohol ready for sale, as well as 3,500 packs of counterfeit tobacco products.

The value of the seized “goods” is more than UAH 3,5 million (USD 120,000).

In order to establish all the circumstances of the case and prosecute all those involved, the investigation is ongoing upon the facts of unlawful manufacturing, storage, sale and transportation of excisable goods and making of counterfeit excise stamps and holographic security features.

The operation was conducted jointly with the National Police under the supervision of Chernihiv Region Prosecutor's Office.