The case against the tea manufacturer “Trypillia Sun” has been closed: no charges were filed, and the arrests have been lifted
31 March 17:28
EXCLUSIVE
The saga involving high-profile allegations of a “Russian connection” in the Ukrainian tea market—which lasted several years and was accompanied by asset seizures and criminal proceedings—has concluded without any charges or convictions. The criminal case against the company “Trypilske Sonce” was closed back in April 2024 due to lack of evidence of a crime. This became known from the company’s official response to a request from the editorial staff
The story of the sensational allegations
Several years ago, the Ukrainian tea market found itself at the center of a high-profile media scandal. A series of publications and investigative materials alleged ties between the tea producer “Trypilske Sonce” and Russian businesses, as well as alleged operational schemes following the start of the full-scale war.
Against the backdrop of these allegations, in 2022, law enforcement authorities opened criminal case No. 42022102070000234 under the article on financing actions aimed at changing the borders of Ukraine.
In 2023, as part of the proceedings, the assets and funds of the company “Trypilske Sonce” were seized. The seizures were initiated at that time by the Podil District Prosecutor’s Office of Kyiv.
However, by 2024, the situation had changed dramatically.
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While examining court records, the editorial staff
Consequently, all key restrictions in the “tea case” were lifted.
The case was closed
According to lawyers for Tripolskoe Solntse LLC, nine days after the seizures were lifted—on April 10, 2024—the criminal proceedings against Ukrainian tea producers were closed entirely due to“the absence of a criminal offense.”
“On August 11, 2023, as part of the criminal proceedings, the funds and property of Tripolskoe Sonce LLC were seized. However, by a ruling of the Podilskyi District Court of Kyiv dated April 1, 2024, all encumbrances and seizures were lifted.
Furthermore, by a ruling dated April 10, 2024, the criminal proceedings under which the seizures were imposed were closed due to the absence of an offense. In other words, during the pre-trial investigation, no facts were established that would indicate a connection with the aggressor country, the existence of any schemes, or any other criminal offenses.
“Thus, no one was actually charged—due to the absence of a criminal offense,” the company emphasized.
In effect, this means that during the pre-trial investigation, law enforcement officials found no evidence to support their own claims regarding alleged ties between “Trypilske Sonce” and Russian businesses.
The company demands a retraction
Following publications in a number of media outlets alleging a “Russian connection” or “succession of Russian companies,” “Trypillia Sun” filed lawsuits against media outlets and civil society organizations seeking a retraction of the false information. Currently, these lawsuits filed by the tea producer—aimed at protecting its reputation—are pending before the courts.
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As reported by
