ESBU shuts down supply channel of counterfeit excise tax stamps from the Republic of Türkiye

 Detectives of the ESBU Main Detective Unit, in cooperation with the Security Service of Ukraine, have exposed an illegal supply channel of counterfeit excise tax stamps from the Republic of Türkiye. The estimated amount of unpaid excise tax from the seized stamps exceeds UAH 110 million.

During the pre-trial investigation, it was established that the stamps were supplied to Ukraine under cover across the state border. They were subsequently sold to manufacturers of excisable products.

As a result of searches conducted at a warehouse in the Odesa region, detectives discovered and seized over 5 million paper objects resembling counterfeit excise tax stamps.

A pre-trial investigation is ongoing in criminal proceedings for an offense under Article 199 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine: 'Manufacture, storage, acquisition, transportation, shipment, importation into Ukraine for use in the sale of goods, distribution, or sale of counterfeit money, state securities in paper form, state lottery tickets, excise tax stamps, or holographic security elements.' The full circle of individuals involved in the illegal activity is being established.

Procedural oversight is provided by prosecutors of the Office of the Prosecutor General.

Operational support is provided by the Security Service of Ukraine.