A large-scale operation producing counterfeit perfumes was uncovered in the Kharkiv region
In the Kharkiv region, law enforcement officials uncovered a large-scale scheme involving the production and sale of counterfeit perfumes masquerading as products from well-known global brands. During the searches, authorities seized approximately 130 metric tons of counterfeit products and materials related to their manufacture, with a total value exceeding 235 million hryvnias.
According to law enforcement officials, the suspects organized a full production cycle for the counterfeits—from purchasing the necessary components to manufacturing, filling, packaging, and selling the finished products.
To make the counterfeit products resemble the originals, the perpetrators, according to the investigation, used counterfeit labels, stickers, packaging, and barcodes.
In Kharkiv, the counterfeits were sold through retail outlets and markets, while they were shipped by mail to other regions of Ukraine.
To conceal the true scale of the illegal trade, the suspects, according to law enforcement, used individual entrepreneurs under their control.
Through just one of these sole proprietors, more than 33 million hryvnias’ worth of products were shipped in half a year.
Law enforcement officials conducted 14 searches in Kharkiv and Lviv.
As a result, they seized:
- more than 560,000 bottles of counterfeit perfumes and cosmetics;
- thousands of liters of manufacturing components;
- containers, labels, and packaging materials;
- equipment for bottling products;
- cash;
- bank cards and computer equipment;
- a car.
The total weight of the seized items is approximately 130 metric tons, and the estimated value exceeds 235 million hryvnias.
Law enforcement officials are currently identifying all individuals who may be involved in organizing and operating the illegal scheme.
A pretrial investigation is ongoing into the illegal use of trademarks and the laundering of criminally obtained property.
The final legal assessment of the suspects’ actions will be made by the court.
This was reported by the National Police of Ukraine.
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In the Chernihiv region, a detained deserter attempted to offer a bribe of 40,000 hryvnias.
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