News

In Stavropol Territory, organised group producing counterfeited mineral water neutralised

The Stavropol Regional Directorate of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation opened an investigation into members of an organised group suspected of an offence under Part 4 of Article 180 (illegal use of a trademark) of the Criminal Code of Russia.

According to the investigation, a representative for Mineral Water Plant Oktyabr-A LLC had set up a group on production and distribution of mineral water, including the director and other employees of the enterprise. The suspects had been using mineral water from outside of the Yessentuki field while marking the place of origins of the product as “Yessentuki 17”. From January 2016 to June 2018, the suspects sold over 17 million bottles of the counterfeit water to retail outlets. The criminal activities of the suspects caused over 400 million roubles of damage to the right holder of the place of origin.

The probe was launched upon materials from North Caucasian Federal District Main Directorate of the Ministry for Internal Affairs of Russia. The Major Crimes Investigation Department of the Stavropol Regional Directorate of the Investigative Committee of Russia is in charge of the investigation.

As part of the probe, the objects of the crime were seized and examined, and recognised as material evidence. Measures are being taken to find and recall all counterfeited products. The criminal investigation is ongoing.

Video of investigative activities https://youtu.be/8DoD1VmtymI