Gas station dismantled, case sent to court: ESBU detectives expose illegal fuel trafficking in Kharkiv region

 Detectives of the Territorial Office of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine in the Poltava region have completed a pre-trial investigation regarding the organization of an illegal gas station in one of the cities in the Kharkiv region. The indictment has been sent to court.

The investigation established that a local resident organized the illegal sale of fuel without the required license for the retail trade of excisable goods or state registration as a business entity. She purchased gasoline, diesel fuel, and liquefied gas from unidentified individuals without documents regarding their origin or quality. Sales were conducted in cash, without issuing fiscal receipts.

During the searches, detectives seized a reservoir containing 1,350 liters of liquefied gas with two fuel dispensers, a fuel storage tank with equipment, and 2,500 liters of gasoline that does not meet state standard requirements. The illegal gas station has been completely dismantled.

The suspect was notified of suspicion under Part 1 of Article 204 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal manufacture, storage, transportation, or sale of excisable goods). She pleaded guilty and transferred UAH 100,000 in charitable assistance to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The materials of the criminal proceedings have been sent to the court. Procedural oversight is being conducted by the Poltava Regional Prosecutor's Office.

According to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of committing a crime and shall not be subjected to criminal punishment until their guilt is proven through legal procedures and established by a court verdict.