Clandestine workshop in Lviv: how the BES uncovered the production of counterfeit alcohol worth over a million hryvnias
14 October 17:53
Detectives of the Territorial Department of the Bureau of Economic Security in Lviv region have exposed theillegal production of alcohol, which was sold under the guise of products of well-known brands, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
According to the agency, the activities of the underground workshop have already been terminated.
How the scheme worked
The investigation found that the organizer of the illegal business had set up a full production cycle – from the purchase of alcohol-containing substances to bottling, labeling and sale.
The counterfeit was sold both wholesale and retail, which indicates the existence of an extensive distribution network.
During the searches in the non-residential premises in Lviv, law enforcement officers seized
- more than 4800 bottles of vodka with fake excise stamps;
- 1200 liters of alcohol-containing liquid;
- 246 liters of flavored liquid (“Lemon”, “Chocolate”);
- equipment for manufacturing and labeling (machines, hair dryers, hoses, alcohol meters);
- corks and labels of well-known brands.
The estimated value of the seized items is over UAH 1.2 million.
What are the consequences?
The investigation is ongoing under Part 2 Art. 204 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – illegal manufacture, storage or sale of excisable goods.
Under this article, the offenders may face a fine or imprisonment for up to 5 years with confiscation of property.
As a reminder, the Economic Security Bureau has recently stepped up its fight against shadow schemes in the field of excisable goods.
Earlier, the BES exposed large-scale VAT and customs evasion schemes by companies importing and selling confectionery.
According to analysts, the counterfeit alcohol market remains one of the most profitable in Ukraine’s shadow economy.
