Illegal gas stations shut down in Odesa region

The organizer of illegal gas stations will be tried in Odesa region. The man set up mobile gas stations and sold gasoline and diesel fuel without any permits.

This was reported by the press service of the Bureau of Economic Security.

According to the investigation, during 2024, a resident of the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi district bought gasoline and diesel of unknown origin at discounted prices without having a license and without registering a business.

He purchased special equipment, including tanks, hoses, and fuel dispensing guns, to carry out his illegal business. Then he set up clandestine gas stations in non-residential premises and even in trucks, through which he sold fuel in the city of Tatarbunary and the village of Spaske.

During the searches, the detectives of the Economic Security Bureau seized more than 12 tons of fuel, 14 large containers with gas station systems and four gas stations on wheels. The total value of the seized goods is almost UAH 3 million.

The man is charged under Part 1 of Article 204 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine - illegal manufacture, storage, sale or transportation of excisable goods. The case has been referred to court, and the investigation into the fuel supplier is ongoing.

Earlier, a network of gas stations was also exposed in Odesa region, with the total value of the seized property amounting to almost UAH 5 million.

Despite the government's efforts, illegal gas stations still operate in the Odesa region, undermining the local economy, creating unequal conditions for legitimate businesses, and posing a threat to people and the surrounding infrastructure. It is estimated that about 10% of all illegal gas stations found in Ukraine are located in Odesa region, one of the highest rates after Lviv region.

Ірина Глухова