ESBU dismantles illegal fuel production and sales network: over UAH 20 million in assets seized, operations of 8 gas stations halted

 In the Dnipropetrovsk region, an organized group that established a full cycle of illegal fuel production and sale has been exposed. As a result of a large-scale special operation, detectives of the Main Detectives Unit of the ESBU seized fuel and lubricants, raw materials, and equipment from illegal circulation with an estimated value of over UAH 20 million and also dismantled fuel dispensers used for the sale of illegally manufactured fuel.

During the pre-trial investigation, it was established that throughout 2026, members of the organized group used an oil depot in the city of Kryvyi Rih for the illegal manufacture and storage of fuel without obtaining the licenses and permits required by law.

Subsequently, the manufactured fuel was transported to a network of gas stations, where it was sold to end consumers for cash. To conceal the illegal activity, the suspects used fictitious contracts, forged consignment notes, quality certificates, and other cover documents issued on behalf of controlled business entities.

In order to document the criminal activity, ESBU detectives carried out a complex set of measures, which resulted in a large-scale special operation in the Dnipropetrovsk region.

In total, more than 20 searches were conducted at facilities involved in the illegal production, storage, and sale of fuel, inside vehicles, as well as at the residences of individuals involved in running the illegal business.

During the investigative actions, detectives seized over 86,000 liters of fuel, lubricants, and raw materials, including over 65,000 liters of gasoline of unknown origin, over 9,000 liters of diesel fuel, and over 12,000 liters of components for the illegal manufacture of fuel, along with specialized equipment for its production, storage, and sale.

Additionally, the operations of 8 gas stations through which the illegally manufactured fuel was sold were shut down.

The pre-trial investigation is currently ongoing. The full circle of individuals involved in organizing and running the illegal scheme is being established. The issues of seizing the confiscated property and notifying the suspects of suspicion are being resolved.

Procedural guidance is provided by the Office of the Prosecutor General.

The illegal production and sale of fuel cause significant damage to the state budget, distort market competition, and may pose a threat to consumers due to the lack of product quality control.

If you are aware of facts regarding the illegal production or sale of fuel, please report them to the ESBU Telegram chatbot @StopShadowBot. Together, we will counter counterfeiters, expose shadow schemes, and clean the fuel market of counterfeit products.