In the city of Kharkiv, the Security Service of Ukraine blocked a large-scale scheme for production and sale of low-quality counterfeit fuel. During the searches of the illegal oil refinery, the law enforcement officers found more than 750 cubic meters of fuel and equipment for its production, the total cost of which is almost UAH 54 m. (USD 2 m.).

Allegedly, two local businesspersons set up the illegal fuel production. They produced goods of dubious quality on the territory of their own enterprise. The suspects bought low-quality raw materials and added various chemical fuel additives to it.

They supplied counterfeit fuel to Kharkiv petrol station chains, evading taxes.

The SBU initiated criminal proceedings upon unlawful manufacturing of excisable goods and evasion of taxes. During the searches of places of storage and sale of counterfeit products, as well as the suspects’ offices, the law enforcement found documents and draft records proving the illegal activities.

Currently, a number of examinations are to take place. Based on the examinations results, the offenders will be served a notice of suspicion. The issue of seizure of the counterfeit fuels and lubricants is being settled.

The operation was carried out jointly with the Kharkiv Border Detachment of the State Border Guard Service and investigators of the State Tax Service under the supervision of the Kharkiv Region Prosecutor's Office.