Counterfeit worth millions: BEB closes illegal oil refinery in industrial zone

In Kryvyi Rih, law enforcement officers uncovered an illegal fuel production operation. According to the information received, an underground oil refinery was established on the territory of one of the industrial facilities, capable of producing more than 100 tons of gasoline and diesel fuel daily.

The scheme to reduce costs and increase profits involved mixing fuel with cheap oil components. The finished products were supplied to local gas stations without any accompanying documents, quality certification, or confirmation of origin.

Detectives from the Bureau of Economic Security conducted more than 20 searches, both at the plant and in the gas station network where the counterfeit was supplied. During the searches, serious violations were discovered, including the absence of cash registers, failure to issue checks, and personnel working without proper registration.

Law enforcement officers seized cash, draft accounting, documents, and finished fuel worth more than 4 million hryvnias.

Operational support for the investigation was provided by employees of the National Police’s Strategic Investigations Department.

Investigative actions are currently underway, which include checking individuals who may be involved in the organization and financing of this illegal activity.