The ESBU in the Volyn region exposed a large-scale fuel market scheme: over UAH 13 million in cash equivalent seized

 Detectives of the Territorial Office of the ESBU in the Volyn region have exposed a large-scale network for the illegal production and sale of fuel operating across several regions of Ukraine. Under the guise of a legitimate business, a group of individuals established a full cycle of illegal activity—from manufacturing counterfeit products in rented workshops to selling them through a network of partner gas stations.

The investigation established that the suspects used an extensive network of controlled enterprises to carry out their illicit activities.

The illegal production was carried out using primitive methods (impromptu means) in warehouse facilities, where diesel fuel was mixed with gas condensate. According to preliminary testing results, the manufactured product fails to meet current quality standards and is counterfeit.

To sell the fuel, the suspects used a specialized software suite to track orders and coordinate fuel dispensing at gas stations. Payments for the goods were made in cash as well as through accounts of enterprises controlled by the suspects. This enabled them to evade taxes and generate a fraudulent VAT (Value Added Tax) credit.

During a series of authorized searches, law enforcement officers seized over 80,000 liters of fuel and lubricants of questionable quality, gas condensate, fuel pumping equipment, fuel dispensers, computer hardware, mobile phones, and ledger records (rough notes) confirming the operation of the scheme. Additionally, cash in the amount of UAH 2.7 million, approximately USD 230,000, and over EUR 7,000 was seized.

The seized materials have been sent for forensic examination. The issue of placing an arrest (seizure) on the recovered property is currently being resolved.

The pre-trial investigation is currently ongoing under Part 1 of Article 204 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal manufacture and sale of excise goods) and Part 1 of Article 209 (legalization of proceeds from crime).

Detectives are identifying the full circle of individuals involved in the scheme to bring them to justice.

Procedural guidance is provided by the Volyn Regional Prosecutor's Office.