Fueled the locals with counterfeit product for nearly a year: Illegal diesel fuel sales uncovered in Bukovyna

 At one of the gas stations in the village of Putyly, counterfeit diesel was being sold under the guise of high-quality fuel. Detectives from the Territorial Office of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine in the Chernivtsi region have completed their pre-trial investigation and forwarded the indictment to the court.

The investigation established that from July 2025 to May 2026, the suspect systematically purchased diesel fuel of dubious origin at a price significantly below the market rate. The fuel was stored in the gas station's reservoirs and subsequently sold to motorists through a fuel dispenser.

As part of the investigation, ESBU detectives conducted controlled fuel purchases. Forensic examinations confirmed that the collected diesel samples do not meet the requirements of state quality standards.

Based on the gathered evidence, the suspect has been notified of suspicion under Part 1 of Article 204 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal acquisition for sale, storage, and sale of illegally manufactured fuel).

Currently, the pre-trial investigation has been officially completed, and the case files, along with the indictment, have been transferred to the court for consideration.

Operational support was provided by officers of the Main Directorate of the Security Service of Ukraine in the Chernivtsi region. Prosecutorial guidance was provided by the Chernivtsi Regional Prosecutor's Office.

Note: Pursuant to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of committing a crime and cannot be subjected to criminal punishment until their guilt is proven through legal procedures and established by a court's verdict of conviction.