In the Kyiv region, seven members of an organised criminal group (OCG) who mass-produced and sold counterfeit petrol will be tried, the Bureau of Economic Security of Ukraine said.
Detectives of the Territorial Department in Kyiv Oblast have completed the pre‑trial investigation, and the indictment has been forwarded to court.
Production network and method of falsification
It was established that the organisers set up a network of clandestine production sites in Fastiv and Bila Tserkva districts. To turn cheap feedstock into A-95 grade petrol, they added specialised chemical additives and colourants to the liquid.
The fuel acquired the required colour, and buyers believed they were filling their vehicles with products from well-known domestic brands.
Distribution channels and quantities seized
The finished counterfeit was sold through a network of stationary and mobile outlets. The bulk was sold through 10 stationary filling stations in Bila Tserkva and Kyiv; it was also sold from converted vehicles and packed into plastic jerry cans of 5 and 10 litres. Payments were made in cash or by card via terminals.
During more than fifty searches, authorities uncovered four illegal fuel depots and seized about 100,000 litres of petrol and diesel worth over 7 million UAH, as well as nearly 900,000 hryvnia in cash, accounting records, stamps, computer equipment and specially equipped vehicles.
Charges and articles of the Criminal Code
Seven participants have been notified of suspicion under part 3 of Article 28, parts 1 and 2 of Article 204, and part 2 of Article 209 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal circulation of excisable goods committed by an organised group).
The indictment has been sent to court; the proceedings will determine the defendants’ liability for their roles in the scheme.
