Ukrainian law enforcement authorities have uncovered an alleged large-scale operation producing and selling counterfeit perfume and cosmetic products under the names of well-known international brands. According to the National Police, the operation involved a complete production cycle, including the purchase of raw materials, manufacturing, filling, packaging and distribution.
The products were designed to imitate genuine branded goods. Investigators reported the use of counterfeit labels, stickers, packaging elements, instructions and barcodes in order to make the products appear authentic. The goods were sold through marketplaces and physical markets in Kharkiv and distributed throughout Ukraine by post.
Police and border guard officers conducted 14 authorized searches in Kharkiv and Lviv, including at production facilities, packaging workshops, warehouses and a printing company. More than 560,000 bottles of allegedly counterfeit perfume and cosmetic products were seized.
Authorities also seized more than 6,000 litres of fragrance concentrates, 18,000 litres of isopropyl alcohol and 4,400 litres of propylene glycol. Equipment included 30 filling machines, together with packaging materials, labels, cash, bank cards, vehicles and electronic devices.
The total volume of seized products and related materials was approximately 130 tonnes, with an estimated value exceeding 235 million UAH (apr. 5 238 958 USD). Police also reported that products worth more than 33 million UAH (apr. 735 683 USD) had been shipped within six months through just one of the business entities allegedly used in the scheme.
The pre-trial investigation is being conducted under Article 229 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine concerning unlawful use of trademarks and other protected commercial designations, as well as Article 209 concerning money laundering. The investigation remains ongoing, and the authorities are continuing to identify all persons allegedly involved in the operation.