Prosecutors of the Chernivtsi Regional Prosecutor's Office, together with detectives from the Bureau of Economic Security, uncovered a network of illegal gas stations through which fuel of questionable quality was sold (Part 1, 2 of Article 204, Part 1 of Article 212 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

As part of the pre-trial investigation, the operation of three such gas stations was halted — two in the Chernivtsi region and one in the Khmelnytskyi region.

More than 62 thousand liters of fuel and lubricants were seized from illegal circulation.

In particular, in one of the villages of the Chernivtsi district, fuel was sold from an improvised gas station. The territory housed two fuel dispensers with nozzles, four storage tanks for fuel, and a gas container. During the search, more than 28 thousand liters of diesel, gasoline, and gas were seized there.

Another illegal sales point was uncovered in Chernivtsi. There, a mini-gas station was effectively operating: four fuel dispensers with nozzles and three storage tanks for fuel, from which gasoline, diesel, and gas were sold. More than 31 thousand liters of petroleum products were seized from illegal circulation.

Additionally, in the Khmelnytskyi region, an illegal gas station was set up in non-residential premises, where illegal fuel sales were also conducted. Almost 3 thousand liters of fuel and lubricants were seized.

According to the investigation, low-quality fuel was sold for cash and at prices lower than market rates, effectively creating an illegal segment of the petroleum and gas trade.

Among the regular customers of these gas stations were farming enterprises, transport companies, and entrepreneurs.

The investigation is ongoing. A number of expert examinations have been appointed. The full circle of individuals involved in the organization of illegal fuel sales and the channels of its supply are being established.

The pre-trial investigation is being conducted by detectives of the Bureau of Economic Security in the Chernivtsi region.

Note: According to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of committing a crime and cannot be subjected to criminal punishment until their guilt is proven in a lawful manner and established by a court verdict.