In Poltava region, the SSU and the State Bureau of Investigations have uncovered a large-scale tax evasion scheme. During 2020-2023, the officials involved embezzled almost UAH 2.5 bln (USD 58.6 mln).

The investigation revealed that the former director of a state-owned distillery was involved in setting up the scheme.

In order to evade paying excise tax, the ex-director sold ethyl alcohol under the guise of an alcohol solvent, which does not require excise duties to be paid.

The SSU-initiated examinations confirmed the facts of forgery of official documents and tax evasion in the amount of almost UAH 2.5 billion.

During the searches, the SSU found financial and business documents and computer equipment with evidence of the unlawful activities.

The distillery’s ex-director was served a notice of suspicion under Article 212.3 of the CCU (tax evasion).

The efforts to bring all those involved to justice are ongoing.

The investigation was carried out by the SSU Poltava Office jointly with the State Bureau of Investigations under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.