Authorities in Perm have seized more than 95 tons of counterfeit motor oil after uncovering a long‑running operation inside the city’s industrial zone. The investigation, led by the chief directorate of the Russian Interior Ministry for the Perm area, exposed a fully functional illegal workshop that had operated for several years. The crew used a semi automatic production line to pour low cost raw materials into standard jerry cans, applying labels that mimicked well known international oil brands. The audacious setup pointed to an organized scheme designed to mislead consumers and profit from trusted names in the automotive maintenance market.
During searches of the production and storage sites, authorities not only found counterfeit products ready for sale but also uncovered substantial stockpiles that could boost illegal output. In total, 113 tons of raw materials intended for counterfeit oil were seized, along with more than 40,000 empty jerry cans and approximately 30,000 labeling sheets. The scale of the operation indicated a well‑established supply chain, capable of producing large volumes with minimal downtime.
Investigators traced the supply chain beyond the workshop, identifying suppliers of plastic containers and sticker materials that financed the criminal trade. In a separate facility described as a mini‑factory for plastic products, law enforcement recovered molds used to shape jerry cans designed to imitate products from foreign manufacturers. The comprehensive seizure exposed a broader network that included packaging and branding components critical to the fraud’s appearance of legitimacy.
A criminal case has been opened under the relevant section of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, specifically addressing illegal use of means for the individualization of goods. Suspects involved in the scheme have been placed under bail while the investigation continues. The authorities emphasized that the case seeks to protect consumers and legitimate manufacturers from deceptive labeling and substandard automotive products.
The seized oil has been transferred to the rightful brand owners for official confirmation of counterfeiting and to determine the extent of the trademark violations. Preliminary assessments place the potential damage at well over 100 million rubles, underscoring the serious financial impact on both legitimate brands and consumer trust in the marketplace. The investigation highlights ongoing efforts to curb counterfeit goods that exploit branding to mislead buyers and compromise vehicle maintenance safety.
Video coverage of the operation is available on YouTube, providing a visual record of the seized materials, the workshop layout, and the scale of the equipment involved in the counterfeit production process.