In Moscow as well as in the Moscow and Ryazan regions, law enforcement authorities, including police and the FSB, dismantled a covert operation involved in illicit butter production. Investigators mapped a distributed network where raw materials, packaging supplies, and counterfeit goods were stored and processed in rented facilities across the city and its surroundings. The case also implicates the sale of motor oils marketed under the banners of globally recognized brands across various parts of the country, a manipulation uncovered by the Ministry of Internal Affairs according to MVD.Media.
During the operation, two individuals were identified as key players: the head of the production side and the person responsible for distributing the tainted products. Searches swept through the homes of the suspects, as well as retail points and distribution warehouses, revealing a fully operational bottling line for fake oil and a label application process designed to deceive. Authorities uncovered more than 34 tons of finished products and 12,000 five-litre plastic jerry cans ready for distribution. The scale of the scheme underscored how counterfeit goods could flow through multiple channels, affecting consumers far beyond a single city. Source: MVD.Media.
Investigators seized the critical components of the operation, including bottling caps, counterfeit labels, holographic decals used by authentic motor oil manufacturers, raw materials, and the internal documents that mapped the counterfeit supply chain. In addition, detailed notes outlining concepts and procedures tied to the production of fraudulent goods were recovered, painting a clear picture of a coordinated illegal enterprise. Source: MVD.Media.
Preliminary expert analysis conducted through the official trademark representative confirmed that the seized items were counterfeit. The findings highlighted the risk posed to brand integrity and public safety when illegitimate products enter the market. The case also illustrates how a single network can scale from hidden, small-scale activities to large, organized operations spanning multiple districts. Source: MVD.Media.
Early estimates from rights holders indicate that damages exceed 50 million rubles, reflecting both direct losses and broader reputational harm within the industry. The financial impact mirrors the broader repercussions that counterfeit commodities pose for consumer trust, insurance costs, and legitimate business continuity. Authorities emphasize that ongoing investigations will pursue all facets of the supply chain, including procurement of raw inputs, distribution routes, and end-user retail points. Source: MVD.Media.