8845 visitors online
The Bureau of Economic Security (BES) of Ukraine has been pivotal in 2026 for identifying and dismantling major economic crime networks across the nation. Notable discoveries include a criminal organization involved in siphoning approximately 23.5 billion hryvnias through money-laundering and cryptocurrency channels. In a separate incident, an underground petrol production group was caught producing 233,000 litres of counterfeit petrol in the Kirovohrad and Dnipropetrovsk regions. These operations reinforce the BES's critical role in combating illegal financial activities and ensuring economic stability within Ukraine's borders. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to protect the economy and deter future economic crimes.

What notable actions has the Bureau of Economic Security taken in 2026?

In 2026, the Bureau of Economic Security (BES) has undertaken numerous significant actions, including uncovering an extensive money-laundering center processing over 23.5 billion hryvnias and dismantling counterfeit petrol production schemes, showcasing its commitment to ensuring economic security in Ukraine.

How has the BES addressed the issue of counterfeit fuel production?

The BES has actively targeted counterfeit fuel production by uncovering and shutting down operations in regions like Kirovohrad and Dnipropetrovsk, seizing vast quantities of illegal fuel and preventing its distribution to safeguard market integrity.

Why is the BES's work crucial for Ukraine's economy?

The BES plays a vital role in protecting Ukraine’s economy by detecting and preventing financial crimes such as money-laundering and counterfeit operations, ensuring legal economic practices, and contributing to the nation's overall stability and economic growth.

What are the implications of the BES's recent crackdown on illegal activities?

The recent crackdowns by the BES imply a stronger regulatory environment in Ukraine, deterring economic crimes and reinforcing the integrity of financial and trade activities, thus bolstering domestic and international confidence in Ukraine's economic system.

In what ways is the BES contributing to law enforcement efforts against economic crimes?

The BES contributes significantly to law enforcement against economic crimes by collaborating with other Ukrainian agencies such as the Office of the Prosecutor General and the National Police, thereby enhancing national efforts to eliminate illegal economic activities and protect public resources.

show details

Articles Bureau of Economic Security

UAH 5 billion scheme: Why tax authorities turn blind eye to bioethanol producers’ schemes UAH 5 billion scheme: Why tax authorities turn blind eye to bioethanol producers’ schemes Bioethanol production in Ukraine is growing at a breakneck pace. Capacity already exceeds both export opportunities and legal domestic consumption. As a result, major market players are looking for ways to serve the needs of the illegal market. 103 0 Previously in trend: Shadow economy

"From punitive system to system of fair decisions." Article by ESBU Director Oleksandr Tsyvinskyi on new mechanism for pre-trial settlement of economic offences "From punitive system to system of fair decisions." Article by ESBU Director Oleksandr Tsyvinskyi on new mechanism for pre-trial settlement of economic offences The reboot of the ESBU is not only about changing the team, but also about new approaches to work that give the state money, businesses clear and transparent rules, and society a sense of justice. 8 270 23 Previously in trend: work of BES

How to extract trillion from "shadow"? Major interview with Director of the ESBU, Oleksandr Tsyvinskyi, about beneficiaries of schemes, cash limits, and new tools for investigations How to extract trillion from "shadow"? Major interview with Director of the ESBU, Oleksandr Tsyvinskyi, about beneficiaries of schemes, cash limits, and new tools for investigations The recent high-profile successes of NABU and SAP in the "Mindichgate" case have not only boosted the standing of these agencies in the eyes of Ukrainian society but also increased the pressure on other law enforcement bodies and institutions tasked with fighting corruption and shadow schemes, where the state loses while individuals enrich themselves. 12 182 21 Previously in trend: Tsyvinskyi appointed as new director of BES

How Telegram helps sellers of illegal cigarettes and why they can’t be stopped How Telegram helps sellers of illegal cigarettes and why they can’t be stopped Despite the shutdown of the largest producers of illegal cigarettes by law enforcement, counterfeit tobacco products continue to be freely sold through Telegram, the most popular messenger among Ukrainians. BusinessCensor checked whether law enforcement officers are able to close this channel of illegal trade and what prevents them from doing so. 681 0 Previously in trend: Shadow economy

When tax service falls asleep, mafia wakes up. Why can’t anyone find producers of illegal cigarettes? When tax service falls asleep, mafia wakes up. Why can’t anyone find producers of illegal cigarettes? In the third year of the full-scale war, the law enforcement system is unable to stop the flow of illegal cigarettes, which is draining the state budget of more than UAH 23 billion a year. BusinessCensor found out why this is happening and who is interested in it. 101 0 Previously in trend: Shadow economy

BES reform, tariffs, and benefits review: What Ukraine needs to do to get IMF money BES reform, tariffs, and benefits review: What Ukraine needs to do to get IMF money Almost all of Ukraine’s revenues are spent on defense. At the same time, other expenditure items are covered by assistance from international partners, including the IMF. However, a number of requirements must be met to receive it. 137 0

Why President’s Office is holding on to corrupt BES despite risk of disrupting Ukraine’s international financing Why President’s Office is holding on to corrupt BES despite risk of disrupting Ukraine’s international financing Why is it so important for the government to steamroll its draft law on BES, which was criticized by business associations and not supported by Western partners? 89 0 Previously in trend: Financial assistance to Ukraine

For making mistake in declaration - to jail. Why do deputies want to strengthen Bureau of Economic Security’s powers? For making mistake in declaration - to jail. Why do deputies want to strengthen Bureau of Economic Security’s powers? The criminalization of the so-called commodity smuggling, which currently provides for administrative liability, has caused not just a wide response. In fact, all major organizations representing Ukrainian, European, and American businesses in Ukraine have made public statements emphasizing that it is impossible to adopt draft law No. 5420 in the wording proposed by the deputies. 8 075 9