ESBU shuts down illegal gas station network in the Kyiv region

 Detectives of the Territorial Office of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine in the Kyiv region, within the framework of two criminal proceedings, have shut down the operations of five illegal gas stations. The fuel sales points operated in the Bila Tserkva district.

The investigation established that the gas stations carried out the illegal storage and sale of counterfeit fuel. According to operational data, the fuel was purchased from an illegal oil depot, the activities of which were not reflected in the relevant registers and were carried out without proper permits. During searches at the gas stations, no quality certificates, fuel passports, or supporting documentation confirming the legal origin of the petroleum products were found.

In the course of investigative actions, approximately 50 tons of diesel fuel and over 30 tons of A-95 gasoline were seized. In addition to fuel and lubricants, 3 fuel storage tanks, 2 fuel dispensing complexes, as well as computer equipment, rough notes, and financial and economic documentation confirming the illegal activity were removed from illegal circulation.

According to preliminary estimates, the total value of the seized fuel and equipment exceeds UAH 6 million.

The pretrial investigation in the criminal proceedings under Article 204 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal manufacture, storage, sale, or transportation with the intent to sell excise goods) is ongoing.

Procedural guidance—prosecutors of the Kyiv Regional Prosecutor's Office.

«We are systematically countering the shadow fuel market, as it results not only in budget losses but also in risks for consumers. Each such case is about safety and fair competition, noted Vitalii Perunin, head of the Territorial Office of the ESBU in the Kyiv region.