Trading alcohol and cigarettes without a license: court sentences businessman in the Odesa region

 In the Odesa region, a court has sentenced a resident of the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi district who organized the illegal circulation of counterfeit alcohol and cigarettes.

Detectives of the Territorial Office of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine in the Odesa region established that the man was registered as a businessman and carried out retail trade in shops, primarily selling food products. However, without a license, he resold illegally manufactured alcoholic beverages and tobacco products on the territory of the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi district.

The suspect purchased the products from individuals (the investigation regarding whom is being carried out in a separate proceeding), knowingly aware that they were manufactured in violation of the law, did not have excise tax stamps, and did not meet established quality standards.

To conduct his illegal activities, he used several non-residential premises, as well as his own vehicle. The sale of goods was carried out for cash.

During the searches, detectives seized more than 5,000 packs of illegally manufactured tobacco products and 74.5 liters of alcohol-containing liquids. Part of the products was stored in specially equipped locations, as well as in a vehicle.

The total value of the seized items is over 1.6 million UAH. In order to ensure compensation for the damage caused as a result of the criminal offense, the seized goods have been seized under asset forfeiture.

The court found the man guilty of a criminal offense under part 1 of article 204 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine—the purchase for sale, storage for this purpose, sale, and transportation for sale of illegally manufactured alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.

The suspect was sentenced to a fine of 100,000 UAH with the confiscation and destruction of the illegally manufactured goods. In addition, the man voluntarily transferred 100,000 UAH to the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Operational support was carried out by employees of the Department of Strategic Investigations in the Odesa region of the DSI of the NP of Ukraine, and the 25th border detachment of the SBGS. Procedural guidance was provided by the Odesa Regional Prosecutor's Office.