The ESBU in the Kyiv region uncovered a large-scale scheme involving the falsification of liquids for smoking

 Detectives from the Territorial Office of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine in the Kyiv region, together with operatives from the State Border Service, uncovered a large-scale scheme for the illegal production of liquids for electronic cigarettes.

The investigation established that a group of individuals established a full cycle of underground production of counterfeit products on specially equipped industrial lines, covering the territories of Kyiv, Vinnytsia, Zakarpattia, and Lviv regions. The perpetrators had established a full cycle of underground production of counterfeit products on specially equipped industrial lines.

Residents of various regions of Ukraine were involved in organizing the illegal activity. Some of them were involved in purchasing raw materials, while others were involved in manufacturing and subsequently selling counterfeit products through a network of illegal retail outlets and online platforms.

During 11 authorized searches, detectives of the ESBU seized a line for the production of liquids, equipment for packaging and labeling products, 70 boxes of finished counterfeit electronic cigarettes without excise stamps, pod systems, cartridges, components, glycerin, polypropylene glycol, printed materials with logos of well-known brands, computer equipment, mobile phones, rough notes, and underground accounting records.

The underground production of smoking liquids has been stopped. The estimated value of the seized goods and materials is over UAH 10 million.

A pre-trial investigation into criminal proceedings is being conducted on the grounds of a criminal offense under Part 2 and Part 3 of Article 204 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal manufacture, storage, sale, or transportation for the purpose of selling excisable goods). The full circle of persons involved in illegal activities is being established.

Operational support was provided by detectives from the Strategic Economic Protection Department of the Territorial Office of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine in the Kyiv region, in cooperation with operatives from the 7th Carpathian Border Guard Detachment, a joint interagency group from the State Border Guard Service, and with the support of the DOZOR special forces unit.

The proceedings are being supervised by prosecutors from the Kyiv Regional Prosecutor's Office.