Detectives of the Territorial Department of the Economic Security Bureau in Odesa region seized more than 100,000 pairs of sneakers sold under the guise of well-known brands of sports goods.

Representatives of three global brands of sports goods contacted the Territorial Department of the Economic Security Bureau in Odesa region and reported the sale of counterfeit products in the territory of the Odesa region.

The implementation of counterfeits caused material damage to enterprises in particularly large amounts.

During the investigation detectives established a ring that created an extensive network of outlets selling counterfeit goods in the region. "Branded" sneakers were sold wholesale and retail in the markets and shopping centers of Odessa and the region as well as in online stores. The accused was engaged in illegal activities for more than ten years.

Detectives of the Territorial Department conducted 7 searches in the places of storage and sale of counterfeit sports shoes and confiscated property worth almost UAH 140 million. These include goods a vehicle, bank cards, drafts, copies of founding documents, postal invoices, computer equipment and cash obtained from illegal activities.

Currently the full circle of persons involved in illegal activities is being established.

The pre-trial investigation under part 3 of Art. 229 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (Illegal use of signs for goods and services, brand name, qualified indication of the origin of goods) continues. Procedural management - prosecutors of the Odesa Regional Prosecutor's Office.

For reference: Material damage is considered to have been caused in a particularly large amount - if its amount exceeds a thousand or more times the tax-free minimum income of citizens.