The ESBU in the Odesa region has dismantled a distribution channel for illegal alcohol and cigarettes

 Detectives of the Territorial Office of the ESBU in the Odesa region have completed a pre-trial investigation into a 45-year-old Odesa resident. The man sold illegally manufactured excisable goods that did not meet quality standards, all without the required permits.

It was established that the suspect was not registered as an individual entrepreneur. Nevertheless, he organized an illegal scheme for the purchase and sale of tobacco products and alcohol-containing liquids without the appropriate licenses.

For the storage of the goods, he used a clandestine non-residential premises in the Khadzhybeyskyi district of Odesa.

During the searches, detectives seized over 31,000 packs of cigarettes of various brands and nearly 9,500 liters of alcohol-containing liquid in canisters, tetra paks, and industrial containers.

The total value of the seized items is nearly 3.5 million UAH. To ensure the recovery of damages caused to the state, an arrest has been placed on the seized property.

Based on the results of the inspection, it was established that the seized goods do not meet quality standards.

Detectives notified the suspect of suspicion under Part 1 of the Art. 204 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine—illegal acquisition, transportation, and storage for the purpose of sale of illegally manufactured excisable goods. The indictment has been sent to court.

During the pre-trial investigation, the man voluntarily transferred 100,000 UAH to the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Operational support was provided by detectives for the strategic protection of the economy of the ESBU Territorial Office in the Odesa region. Procedural oversight was carried out by the Odesa Regional Prosecutor's Office.

It should be noted that according to Art. 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 in a legal manner and established by a court verdict of guilty.