Received 61.2 million UAH in income from using a brand and did not pay taxes: ESBU secured the reimbursement of 19.6 million UAH of damages

 An entrepreneur who earned from using a trademark and evaded taxes reimbursed almost 20 million UAH to the budget.

Detectives of the Territorial Office of the ESBU in the Odesa region established that the suspect owns a trademark of a well-known brand selling leather footwear, bags, belts, and other accessories. He transferred the right to use the trademark to other entrepreneurs who paid him funds for using the brand.

During 2024–2025, the trademark owner received 61.2 million UAH in this manner. However, he did not reflect this income in his tax reporting and did not pay the due taxes and fees.

As a result, over 19.6 million UAH did not enter the state budget. In particular, personal income tax was understated by 8.6 million UAH, VAT by 9.3 million UAH, as well as the military and single taxes.

ESBU detectives notified the entrepreneur of suspicion of intentional tax evasion in particularly large amounts under part 3 of article 212 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

During the pretrial investigation, the suspect admitted his guilt and fully reimbursed the damages caused to the state—19.6 million UAH. In addition, he paid penalties and transferred 1.5 million UAH for the needs of the AFU.

In connection with the full reimbursement of the damage caused, the prosecutor applied to the court with a motion to exempt the official of the enterprise from criminal liability on the basis of part 3 of article 212 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

Procedural oversight in the criminal proceedings was carried out by prosecutors of the Odesa Oblast Prosecutor's Office.