Police uncover underground agrochemical production in Ukraine
An investigation coordinated by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) has played a central part in uncovering a sophisticated criminal network in Ukraine.
The criminal network engaged in the mass production and counterfeiting of agrochemical products. These were falsely labelled under some of the leading agrochemical brands in Europe and the USA.
As a result, Ukrainian authorities conducted 89 searches across the country that led to the seizure of hundreds of tons of illicit products worth over €2.3 million.
Police raids uncovered several underground workshops, that resulted in the confiscation of more than 175 tonnes of counterfeit agrochemicals as well as raw materials for their production.
According to OLAF, these were ordered from China, and contained potent and poisonous substances.
OLAF said that a separate production of packaging for these products was discovered, together with fake labels, plastic packaging, holographic security elements of various trademarks and seals of business entities.
Part of the seized products are believed to have been intended for European market, posing a significant threat to food security, environmental safety and legitimate agrochemical companies.
OLAF’s role in the operation focused on strategic gathering, analysis and sharing of intelligence as well as cross-border coordination that led to the setting up of a joint investigation team between Romania, Ukraine and OLAF under the umbrella of EUROJUST.
The investigation started in 2023, with a joint intervention of OLAF and Bulgarian authorities that led to the interception of around 11 tonnes of illicit pesticides in Bulgaria.
The director general of Olaf, Ville Itala said: "This is a textbook example of how operational actions unfold across borders.
"What started like isolated seizures in Bulgaria and Romania turned out to be the surface of a much deeper operation in Ukraine."
"Thanks to the methodical investigation and strong cooperation with our partners, we were able to trace the supply chain all the way to the source. This way, we help to protect not only European markets but also legitimate businesses, farmers and the environment,” Itala added.
