ESBU exposes an entrepreneur in the Odesa region selling illegal alcohol and tobacco

 Detectives of the Territorial Office of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine in the Odesa region have exposed a resident of the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi district who organized the illegal circulation of excise goods.

The investigation established that the man was registered as an entrepreneur and conducted retail trade in stores, primarily selling food products. However, without a license, he resold illegally manufactured alcoholic beverages and tobacco products in the village of Shabo.

The suspect purchased the goods from individuals (investigated in separate proceedings), fully aware that the products were manufactured in violation of the law, lacked excise tax stamps, and did not meet quality standards.To carry out his illegal activities, he used several.

During the searches, detectives seized more than 5,000 packs of illegally manufactured tobacco products and 74.5 liters of alcohol-containing liquids. Some of the products were stored in specially equipped locations, as well as in a vehicle.

The total value of the seized goods exceeds UAH 1.6 million. To ensure compensation for the damages caused by the criminal offense, an arrest has been imposed on the seized items.

Based on the collected evidence, the man was notified of suspicion under Part 1 of Article 204 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine—the acquisition for the purpose of sale, storage for this purpose, sale, and transportation for the purpose of sale of illegally manufactured alcoholic beverages and tobacco products. The indictment has been referred to the court.

During the pre-trial investigation, the suspect voluntarily donated UAH 100,000 to the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Operational support was provided by officers of the Strategic Investigations Department in the Odesa region of the National Police of Ukraine and the 25th Border Guard Detachment of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. Procedural supervision was conducted by the Odesa Regional Prosecutor's Office.

It should be noted that, according to 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 verdict of guilty.