Detectives of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine exposed a group of people who organized the production and distribution of counterfeit food products under the guise of well-known Ukrainian and international brands. The counterfeit was produced in Kyiv and Kyiv region in particular in Mezhyhirya Park.

Special equipment was used for mass production and packaging of sweets, coffee, grocery products (spices, coffee and cocoa products, instant noodles) wafers, chewing gum and other counterfeit products.

ESBU searched warehouses in Kyiv and the region as well as premises on the territory of Mezhyhirya and found automatic packaging and labeling lines, packaging containers with logos of well-known brands, large volumes of raw materials used to make counterfeit products, products without documentary evidence, etc.

As a result of the searches the detectives of the ESBU seized 5 automatic lines, 20 machines for packaging and applying logos, 6 lines for packaging products.

The weight of the seized counterfeit products, raw materials for their manufacture, packaging, etc. is approximately 200 tons.

In addition, it was established that the clandestine production in Mezhyhirya used the facilities, including electricity from the National Park.

The pre-trial investigation under Part 3 Art. 229 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine is ongoing. The full range of persons involved in the illegal production and places of sale of counterfeit products is being established. The monthly turnover of the clandestine production and the amount of damage caused to the state are being calculated.

Prosecutors of the Prosecutor General's Office are providing procedural guidance.