Ukrainian Police Seize 30 Tons of Fake Alcohol

The Ukrainian police authorities from the capital city of Kiev have recently discovered an illegal alcohol production plant and seized over 30 tons of fake alcohol labeled with both local and foreign brands, worth approximately EUR 81,755 (USD 87,925).

Eight people operated the illegal warehouse, producing and selling vodka and other alcohol of dubious quality in large quantities. The illegal alcohol makers mixed water and spirits in big tanks and then poured the mixture into plastic bottles that could fit into cardboard boxes with capacities of 3, 5, 6 and 10 liters. The spirits used for counterfeit beverage production were smuggled into Ukraine without paying any excise duty.

The police officials also seized a vehicle that transported the counterfeit alcohol not only to Kiev retail outlets, but also to express delivery service outlets, which distributed the goods over almost the entire territory of Ukraine.

Seven out of eight suspects have confessed to the crime. The police launched criminal proceedings on the basis of Article 229 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – illegal use of trademarks, brand names, and appellations of origin. The investigation is still underway.

Prepared by: Olga Goncharova

For more information, please contact ukraine@petosevic.com.

Source: Ministry of the Interior website