The ESBU has completed the investigation into the liquidation of a counterfeit money distribution channel in Odesa

 Detectives of the Territorial Office of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine in the Odesa region have completed a pre-trial investigation into the case of two foreign nationals. The suspects organized a channel for supplying high-volume quantities of counterfeit 100 US dollar banknotes into Ukraine.

It was established that a group of individuals, including citizens of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, operated a distribution network for forged American $100 bills within the Odesa region. The counterfeit foreign currency was supplied from Turkey.

ESBU detectives exposed the dealers while they were attempting to sell over USD 10,000 in counterfeit currency. Expert forensic analysis confirmed that the banknotes were forged, as their printing methods and security features did not match the authentic currency of the producing country. At the same time, the bills appeared genuine in appearance. It was impossible to distinguish them from original banknotes during routine visual inspection or when checked with a currency detector.

Both suspects have been notified of suspicion of committing a criminal offense under Part 2 of Article 199 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (manufacture and sale of counterfeit money and securities), and preventive measures in the form of custody have been ordered. The indictment has been filed with the court.

Operational support is provided by detectives from the Strategic Economic Protection Department of the ESBU Territorial Office in the Odesa region, along with the Strategic Investigations Department (DSR) of the National Police in the Odesa region. Procedural oversight is conducted by prosecutors of the Odesa Regional Prosecutor's Office.

It should be noted that, according to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent and cannot be subjected to criminal punishment until their guilt is proven in accordance with the law and established by a court's verdict of guilty.