Aug. 24, 2024, 2:01 p.m.
(Photo: screenshot from the CPR video)
Following the release of a film by the Center for Public Investigations about the activities of Petromol gas stations involved in illegal construction, tax evasion and alleged cooperation with Russia, the Odesa Oblast Police Investigation Department launched a pre-trial investigation. The proceedings were opened under the article on unauthorized construction on illegally seized land plots.
This is stated in the material of the CPR.
The journalists'investigation was published on February 16, 2024, and a criminal case was opened on March 20 of the same year. According to the materials, Petromol gas stations operate under the cover of several private companies, which are difficult to track due to their complex structure.
Earlier, in 2018, the investigation established a link between the Petromol brand and Vitla-PSV, Tadiy and Inter-Nafta, which were involved in cases of illegal storage of excisable goods and unauthorized construction.
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On August 5, 2024, an Odesa court granted investigators access to documents related to the construction of five Petromol gas stations on illegally seized land in Odesa region. It turned out that the companies that built these stations did not have the necessary permits and documents, and submitted false information to obtain licenses.
Petromol has about 15 gas stations, concentrated mainly in the south of Odesa region and in Moldova. The journalists found that these gas stations work only for cash, and cashless payments are not possible. In addition, they found ties between the Petromol network and the Vitkov family, who allegedly control the companies from Bulgaria and Moldova behind the network.
It is expected that the State Bureau of Investigation and Financial Monitoring will closely investigate the possible cooperation of the Petromol network with the aggressor country.