Ukraine's BEB uncovers scheme: ethanol and methanol transported as additives
According to the documents, the goods were declared as a fuel additive, but Turkish customs confirmed the shipment contained undenatured ethyl alcohol and methanol. The consignment’s value is about UAH 3.5 million; a criminal case has been opened.
By Oleg Bazylewicz
November 28, 2025 · 1 min read
An attempt was made to import undenatured ethyl alcohol and methanol into Ukraine, disguising the cargo as a fuel additive.
Information from documents
In the declaration the goods were listed as a fuel additive (Eng. Fuel additive Solvent), but an official response from Turkish customs indicated the shipment consisted of undenatured ethyl alcohol and methanol, which are subject to excise taxation.
The total value of the goods is estimated at approximately UAH 3.5 million.
Investigation and suspicions
A criminal case has been opened under Part 2 of Article 201-4 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — smuggling of excisable goods.
- A group of employees of a supplier company to the Ministry of Defense are suspected of organizing a scheme to evade VAT payments totaling more than UAH 35 million.
- In the Poltava region, four people are suspected of embezzling state funds during procurement for military needs.
