March 12, 2026, 5:42 p.m.
(PHOTO: TU BEB in Odesa region)
The topic of the CPR's investigation into gas stations"On the Other Side of the Petromol Network: Tax Evasion in Ukraine, Cooperation with Russia in Bulgaria" continues.
In Odesa, a court seized the property of the Petromol filling station chain suspected of selling illegally produced fuel. During searches at the gas station, law enforcement officers seized cash, fuel, tanks, speakers, a telephone and documents that could be used to conceal profits and tax evasion.
This was reported by the Center for Public Investigations.
The topic of the investigation by the Center for Public Investigations on gas stations is to be continued. The prosecutor of the Odesa Regional Prosecutor's Office filed a petition with the investigating judge to seize the seized property as part of the investigation into the illegal manufacture and sale of excisable goods.
According to the investigation, unidentified persons organized a network of gas stations in Odesa region, in particular under the Petromol brand, where they sold fuel of dubious origin.
The stations are formally managed by Topgroup LLC and Tolar Group LLC. According to law enforcement, these companies are controlled by a Bulgarian citizen together with company officials who may conceal real income and avoid paying taxes.
During the searches in April 2025, diesel fuel, A95 and A92 gasoline, liquefied gas, underground tanks, fuel dispensers and other equipment were seized at the gas stations. Law enforcement officers also found documentation and draft records that, according to them, indicate illegal activities. An examination showed that the fuel did not meet state standards.
During another search in March of this year, the gas station employee voluntarily handed over to law enforcement the cash received from the sale of fuel on March 2-3, 2026, as well as the records used to coordinate the station's operation. Investigators also seized a cell phone with contacts of persons who may be involved in organizing the activities of the gas station and other documentation on fuel sales.
The investigation established that the sale of fuel at these gas stations continued without the necessary licenses. Payments were made only in cash, without being reflected in accounting and tax records.
One of the witnesses reported that the station manager personally gave instructions on fuel sales and concealment of evidence.
At one time, the CPR investigated the activities of the Petromol network. The gas station has been involved in high-profile scandals more than once: the design of gas stations resembles another well-known chain, the company does not pay taxes, or builds a complex without permits. However, the chain is still afloat and still sells excisable goods without payment documents. Moreover, its owners apparently have businesses abroad that cooperated with Russia during the full-scale war.
Анна Бальчінос