177 thousand liters of counterfeit fuel worth over UAH 8 million: ESBU in Bukovyna dismantles illegal diesel production

 Detectives of the Territorial Office of the Economic Security Bureau in the Chernivtsi region have notified four group members of suspicion for the illegal manufacturing and sale of fuel.

According to the investigation, a local entrepreneur organized the scheme and involved three accomplices. Together, they purchased diesel, gas condensate, and other cheap components. These were mixed to produce low-quality fuel, which was then sold as diesel.

The illegal production was set up on the grounds of a fuel storage facility in one of the villages of the Chernivtsi district. The suspects used trucks and tankers to transport raw materials and finished fuel.

The products were sold through a network of gas stations in the Chernivtsi region. They also sold fuel directly to drivers.

Over the course of a year, the suspects manufactured and sold more than 177 thousand liters of fuel. The estimated value exceeds UAH 8 million.

During authorized searches, detectives seized over 30 thousand liters of fuel. According to expert findings, the seized fuel and lubricants did not meet state standard requirements. Additionally, vehicles, a fuel tanker, equipment for pumping petroleum products, and documentation were seized.

Notices of suspicion were served to the four group members under Part 2 of Article 28 (commission of a crime by a group of persons) and Parts 1 and 2 of Article 204 (illegal manufacturing, storage, and sale of excisable goods) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Additionally, the organizer of the scheme was notified of suspicion under Part 1 of Article 209 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (money laundering of property obtained by criminal means).

Operational support is provided by officers of the Strategic Investigations Department of the National Police of Ukraine in the Chernivtsi region and the Security Service of Ukraine Office in the Chernivtsi region.

Procedural oversight is provided by prosecutors of the Chernivtsi Regional Prosecutor's Office.

In accordance with Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of committing a crime and cannot be subjected to criminal punishment until their guilt is proven in accordance with the law and established by a court's verdict of guilty.