An illegal alcohol production operation has been uncovered in Transcarpathia, with the products sold as goods from well-known Ukrainian brands. The illicit business was organised by a family from Uzhhorod together with two accomplices.
This was reported by the Prosecutor General’s Office.
According to investigators, from November 2025 to October 2026 counterfeit vodka and brandy were produced at a warehouse in the village of Kontsovo. The spirit was brought in from Lviv Region, diluted with water and other components, bottled and labelled with fake excise stamps. The products were sold mainly in rural shops in Transcarpathia.
During 29 searches in Transcarpathia and Lviv Region, around 48.5 tonnes of spirit were seized, along with nearly a thousand bottles of alcohol, more than 2,300 counterfeit excise stamps, bottling equipment, almost 10,000 packs of cigarettes, five vehicles and handwritten notes.
Five suspects are accused of the illegal manufacture, storage, transportation and sale of excisable goods, as well as unlawful dealings involving counterfeit excise stamps.
The court ordered pre-trial detention for the organiser and his son with the option of bail, while the other three were placed under house arrest.
The issue of seizing the suspects’ assets is currently being decided, and other individuals involved in the illegal business are being identified.
The Prosecutor General’s Office notes that, under Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent until their guilt is proven by a court’s conviction.