Counterfeit coffee was produced in the Kyiv region under the names of well-known brands
13 May 14:54
The Economic Security Bureau has uncovered a large-scale underground operation producing counterfeit coffee from well-known global brands in the Kyiv region. This was reported by the Economic Security Bureau, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
“The investigation established that the group members set up clandestine workshops in warehouse facilities, where they roasted, ground, and packaged coffee under the logos of international brands,” the statement said.
As can be seen in the BEB’s photos, the case specifically involves the well-known Italian brand Lavazza.
“The scheme also involved individuals who set up fictitious business entities to receive payments,” the BEB reported.
The suspects organized a full production cycle for the counterfeit products and sold them through online stores, marketplaces, and coffee shops throughout Ukraine.
“Previously, the suspects officially collaborated with the trademark owner, but after the contract expired in 2021, they continued to illegally use the well-known brand,” the BEB reported.
Watch us on YouTube: important topics – without censorship
It is noted that the counterfeit products did not undergo any quality control and could pose a threat to consumer health.
At the same time, the counterfeit goods were advertised on social media and messaging apps, and orders were shipped via postal services.
During 22 searches, BEB detectives seized production equipment, printing materials, thousands of packages of finished products, raw materials, as well as vehicles, cash, and documentation.
The estimated value of the seized property is nearly 20 million hryvnias.
A pre-trial investigation is ongoing under Part 3 of Article 229 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (unlawful use of a trademark for goods and services, causing material damage on an especially large scale), the BEB reported.
“Counterfeiting is a shadow market that causes losses to the state, harms legitimate businesses, and poses a threat to consumers. The organizers of such schemes operate outside the law, evade taxes, and deliberately disregard any quality standards,” noted Vitaliy Perunin, head of the BEB’s Territorial Office in the Kyiv region.
As reported, in July 2025, detectives from the Economic Security Bureau served notices of suspicion to the organizer and five of his accomplices, who had set up an underground operation in the Kyiv region to manufacture coffee and sell it under the guise of products from well-known global brands. At that time, the counterfeit products were manufactured and sold as originals—wholesale and retail via the internet, retail outlets, and local markets.
Read us on Telegram: important topics – without censorship
