Detectives from the Bureau of Economic Security of Ukraine (BEB) uncovered and halted the operations of a network of five illegal gas stations operating in the Bilozerka district of Kyiv region. As part of the operation against the shadow market, dozens of tons of fuel – diesel and gasoline – were seized.
This is reported by Finway
Illegal Production and Lack of Documentation
The investigation established that the organizers of the network were selling counterfeit fuel to consumers. Wholesale batches of the product were supplied from an underground oil depot that was not registered in any state registry and operated without any permits. During the searches, law enforcement officers found neither quality certificates nor passports for the petroleum products, nor any other accompanying documents confirming the legal origin of the fuel.
“During the searches at the gas stations, detectives found neither quality certificates nor passports for the petroleum products, nor any other accompanying documents that would confirm the legal origin of the goods.”
Value of Seized Property and Further Actions
The total value of the property seized during the investigative actions exceeds 6 million hryvnias. Law enforcement officers confiscated about 50 tons of diesel fuel, over 30 tons of A-95 gasoline, three storage tanks for petroleum products, two fuel distribution complexes, as well as computer equipment, rough accounting records, and business documentation.
- about 50 tons of diesel fuel;
- over 30 tons of A-95 gasoline;
- three storage tanks for petroleum products;
- two fuel distribution complexes;
- computer equipment, rough accounting records, and financial and business documentation.
Currently, a pre-trial investigation is underway within the framework of two criminal proceedings under Article 204 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – illegal production, storage, and sale of excise goods. The Kyiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office is overseeing the process.
The BEB assures that it will continue to systematically combat the shadow fuel market, as its activities lead to financial losses for the state budget and pose a danger to consumers.
<p>At the same time, at the beginning of April, diesel fuel prices on global markets reached record highs, and as of the morning of April 6, premium gasoline of the “100” brand at Ukrainian gas stations cost up to 87.00 UAH per liter.