Detectives of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine are investigating the alleged illegal production of excise goods in the Rivne region.

The investigation established that one of the companies taking advantage of the benefits during the importation of raw materials for the production of tobacco products, probably evaded the payment of excise tax in particularly large amounts.

Officials used leftover tobacco to produce cigarettes which were later sold for cash. Tobacco residues and counterfeit products were not reflected in tax reporting.

In order to stop criminal activity and document the illegal actions of the company's officials, detectives of the ESBU conducted a search of production, warehouse and office premises. As a result of the searches, excise tax stamps, finished products - cigarettes, production lines, etc. were found. Seized samples of goods similar to tobacco were submitted for examination.

Currently, investigative actions are ongoing to establish the full range of persons involved in the crime. The amount of damages is established.

The pre-trial investigation in criminal proceedings initiated on the grounds of a criminal offense provided for in Part 1 of Art. 204 and the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal manufacture, storage, sale or transportation for the purpose of sale of excise goods) and part 3 of Art. 212 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (tax evasion) is carried out by detectives of the ESBU under the procedural guidance of prosecutors of the Poltava regional prosecutor's office.