ESBU detectives dismantled 6 illegal gas stations in the Odesa region

 Detectives of the Territorial Office of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine in the Odesa region have shut down six illegal gas stations operating across the region. The filling stations have been completely dismantled.

It was established that the owners, operating without licenses or business registration, purchased fuel of unknown origin at significantly lower prices. This fuel was subsequently sold in Odesa and the surrounding region. To facilitate this, they illegally installed fueling equipment, storage tanks, and fuel dispensers in roadside areas.

The illegal stations were located in the villages of Zatoka and Dobroslav, the city of Vylkove, as well as in Odesa on Tsiolkovsky Street and near the «7th kilometer» industrial market.

Detectives conducted authorized searches at all locations, seizing nearly 70 tons of fuel and lubricants, including diesel, gasoline, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). They also confiscated fuel dispensers, storage tanks, equipment, and structures used for the illegal operations. The total value of the seized assets is 9.7 million UAH.

The pre-trial investigation under Part 1 of Article 204 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal manufacture, storage, sale, or transportation for the purpose of sale of excisable goods) is ongoing. Efforts are underway to identify the full circle of individuals involved in the illegal activity, as well as the supply and distribution channels of the excisable goods.

Operational support is provided by the Division of Detectives for Strategic Protection of the Economy. Procedural oversight is conducted by the Odesa Regional Prosecutor's Office.

Systemic measures to combat the illegal turnover of fuel continue. A priority task for the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine for 2026 is the complete cleaning of the market and the creation of equal conditions for legal businesses. More details on the ESBU's work regarding the de-shadowing of the fuel and lubricants market can be found at the link.