The Economic Security Bureau Seizes Counterfeit Fuel Worth UAH 650 Million – The Ukrainian Oil and Gas Association and the Economic Security Bureau Discuss Outcomes of Combating the Illicit Fuel Trade
On 27 May 2025, the Ukrainian Oil & Gas Association (UOGA) participated in a working meeting with the Acting Director of the Bureau of Economic Security, Serhii Perkhun; the Head of Detectives at the Bureau, Oleksandr Tkachuk; the Chairman of the Ukrainian Oil & Gas Association, Yaroslav Starovoytenko; his Deputy, Serhii Derevtsov; and oil and gas market expert, Serhii Kuiun.
During the meeting, participants reviewed the performance of the Bureau of Economic Security, focusing on the scale of illicit fuel circulation and efforts to combat offences related to this market. Since the beginning of the year, detectives from the Bureau have seized counterfeit fuel and production equipment worth UAH 650 million. Additionally, based on the Bureau’s findings, 35 petrol stations have had their licences revoked.
Chairman of the Ukrainian Oil & Gas Association, Yaroslav Starovoytenko, emphasised that despite the state’s ongoing efforts, the issue of illegal fuel trading remains pressing. “The Ukrainian Oil & Gas Association has already submitted information to the State Tax Service regarding the locations of petrol stations suspected of violating legislation. We firmly believe that illegal filling stations must either undergo legalisation or cease operations altogether. This would not only ensure fair competition but also contribute to the replenishment of the state budget,” Starovoytenko asserted.
At the same time, Serhii Perkhun noted that addressing the problem of underground petrol stations requires not only the consolidation of efforts among all law enforcement and regulatory bodies but also legislative reform. Specifically, he highlighted the need to strengthen liability for the illegal circulation of excisable goods:
“The penalties currently stipulated in Part 1 of Article 204 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine—in the form of fines—are disproportionate to the profits made by offenders. As a result, the majority of individuals involved in the Bureau’s criminal proceedings have previously been convicted of similar offences,” he stated.
Serhii Perkhun further noted that, under current legislation, the State Tax Service and the police play a significant role in combating illegal petrol stations, while the Bureau of Economic Security focuses primarily on illicit production facilities.
Nevertheless, despite being understaffed, facing limited funding, and lacking support from local administrations and other state bodies, the Bureau continues to systematically counter the illegal circulation of fuel.
“Since the beginning of the year, Bureau detectives have seized over 475 tonnes of petrol and 519.8 tonnes of diesel fuel, dismantled 45 storage tanks and fuel dispensers. The total value of goods removed from illegal circulation amounts to UAH 650 million. Furthermore, as a result of pre-trial investigations, 22 individuals have been formally charged, and 19 cases have already been referred to court. Based on the Bureau’s findings, 35 petrol station licences have been revoked,” stated Oleksandr Tkachuk, Head of Detectives at the Bureau of Economic Security, during his address.
At the conclusion of the meeting, participants discussed the ongoing collaboration between the Association and the Bureau, particularly in the areas of identifying illegal oil refineries and petrol stations, developing the necessary legislative amendments, and strengthening cooperation with local authorities, law enforcement agencies, the State Tax Service, and other relevant bodies.
The Ukrainian Oil & Gas Association extends its sincere gratitude to the team at the Bureau of Economic Security—especially Acting Director Serhii Perkhun, Head of Detectives Oleksandr Tkachuk, and all Bureau personnel—for their significant achievements in combating the illegal circulation of fuel.
We deeply value the open dialogue, professional cooperation, and shared commitment to achieving systemic reform within the sector. We are convinced that only through joint efforts—including the strengthening of legislation, the consolidation of actions by state and regulatory bodies, and support from local authorities—can we eradicate the illegal fuel trade, protect consumers, and contribute to the state budget.
The Ukrainian Oil & Gas Association will continue to serve as a reliable partner in promoting best practices for transparent and responsible business conduct in the petroleum products market.
The Ukrainian Oil & Gas Association is an industry body representing the interests of the largest stakeholders in the oil and gas market. At present, the Association encompasses leading wholesale, retail, extraction, and refining enterprises from both national and international spheres, as well as private and state-owned sectors. Among its members are WOG, OKKO, AMIC Ukraine, SOCAR, KLO, UPG, Orlen, Parallel, Ukrgazvydobuvannya, and Ukrnafta.
The Association plays an active role in shaping the country’s legislative framework, monitoring and resolving critical sectoral issues, and maintains close cooperation with government authorities, private and public enterprises, industry and consumer associations, consulting agencies, and the media. Its mission is to implement and uphold European standards of service quality within the market and to safeguard the interests of its members.
