Main points
- An underground alcohol production operation was uncovered in Kyiv, where famous brands such as Jack Daniel's, Jameson, and Finlandia were counterfeited.
- Law enforcement officers seized about 50 tons of alcohol and 3 tons of the finished product, estimating the value of the seized alcohol at over 15 million hryvnias.
Underground “alcohol factory” exposed in Kyiv / BEB Ukraine
A suspected gang that organized the underground production of alcohol was discovered in the capital. They counterfeited Jack Daniel's, Jameson, Finlandia, and other famous alcohol brands.
What is known about counterfeit alcohol in Kyiv?
Investigators found that the scheme worked “turnkey”, the BEB reported.
The alcohol was probably purchased in various regions, stored in warehouses, and then transported to Kyiv. There, in specially equipped premises, the alcohol was bottled without licenses and excise stamps.
During the searches, law enforcement officers immediately covered up two such production points. They seized about 50 tons of alcohol, which was used as raw material, and another 3 tons of the finished product. They also took away bottling equipment, containers, draft records, financial documents, and vehicles used to transport the alcohol.
In addition, the personal cars of the participants in the scheme were also seized – according to the investigation, they could have been bought with money earned from illegal business. The value of the seized alcohol is estimated at more than 15 million hryvnias.
Currently, expert examinations have been scheduled, law enforcement officers are identifying all those involved and preparing steps to compensate the state for damages.
Previous counterfeiting cases in Ukraine
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In December last year, the clandestine production of counterfeits of famous brands was exposed in the Lviv region, and goods worth about 14 million hryvnias were seized. Law enforcement officers conducted 15 searches, seizing counterfeit goods, equipment, cash, and documentation from six suspects.
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And in October, a network of counterfeit products sold under the guise of products from well-known brands was exposed in Ukraine, and five people were reported suspicious.
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The searches uncovered more than 15,000 packages of counterfeit products, packaging equipment, and documentation confirming the organization of the scheme.