Nov. 28, 2024, 9:59 p.m.
(Photo: BEB/Collage Intent)
An underground production and sale of counterfeit batteries under the brands of well-known international companies was organized in Odesa region.
This was reported by the territorial department of the Bureau of Economic Security in Odesa region.
According to detectives, professional equipment was used to manufacture counterfeit products. Raw materials and components for batteries were imported to Ukraine illegally, bypassing customs. The finished products were sold online and in retail outlets after being packaged.
The clandestine workshop, located at production and warehouse complexes in Kyiv and Odesa regions, generated more than UAH 10 million in profit every month.
The BES detectives conducted searches and seized packaging equipment, labels with logos of well-known brands, raw materials, finished products, UAH 2.7 million in cash and draft records. The estimated value of the seized goods is over UAH 20 million.
Currently, two members of the group have been served suspicion notices. If the court finds them guilty, the businessmen will have to pay from UAH 51 thousand to UAH 170 thousand in fines.
In early November, detectives of the BES Territorial Directorate uncovered and stopped the activities of an underground production facility that produced coffee under well-known brands. The value of the seized illicitly traded products exceeds UAH 1.5 million. The case has now been referred to court.
Another resident of Odesa also set up an underground coffee production facility. He sold the products under the guise of global brands in markets, on the Internet and in local kiosks.
The Odesa resident set up a room where he packaged coffee raw materials in unsanitary conditions in packages with the identity of global brands. At the same time, the "businessman" had no contracts, permits or licenses to use popular trademarks.
The law enforcement also exposed three residents of Odesa region who set up an illegal business selling alcoholic beverages. During the searches, almost two million hryvnias worth of property was seized from them.
Ірина Глухова