February 17, 2026 — Law enforcement officers, in cooperation with specialists from Vlasta-Consulting, conducted a large-scale operation to shut down illegal production of chocolate spreads and candies packaged under the guise of well-known brands. The raid was the culmination of a multi-stage investigation that had been ongoing since 2023. Operation details to suppress illegal production: As part of an initiated criminal case, searches were carried out simultaneously at three locations in one of the districts of the Vladimir region: ● Production workshop. The premises contained industrial mixers, an oven, and loading equipment. Raw materials were stored nearby: containers with liquids, blocks of chocolate mass, coconut flakes, nuts, and vegetable oils. The packaging process was semi-manual. ● Storage location for labels and packaging. Tens of thousands of labels with trademarks confusingly similar to registered brands such as Mars, Snickers, Twix, M&M's, and Bounty were discovered, along with packaging ready for labeling. About 10 citizens working without official registration were present at the site and were detained. ● Warehouse premises. More than 40 unmarked plastic containers filled with chocolate paste were seized, as well as various confectionery products (marmalade, bulk candies). During the raid, law enforcement seized: ● Technological equipment (mixers, oven, loader, scales); ● Raw materials and production components; ● Labels bearing signs of counterfeiting (totaling over 10,000 units); ● Finished products ready for sale and empty containers not yet labeled. The organizers and members of the group have been identified. A criminal case has been initiated against the involved individuals under Part 3 of Article 180 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (illegal use of a trademark). Additionally, Article 238 of the Criminal Code (production and sale of products not meeting safety requirements) is being considered, as numerous violations of sanitary standards were recorded at the production site. The work carried out by law enforcement agencies during this raid deserves high praise: the coordinated actions and professionalism of the officers made it possible to shut down the illegal workshop, thereby protecting both the rights of copyright holders and the health of consumers. Vlasta-Consulting expresses its readiness to continue providing comprehensive support to law enforcement in conducting such operations aimed at combating counterfeiting and protecting the legal market.

On November 25-26, 2025, the XXXVIII International Scientific and Practical Conference of the Association of Russian Detectives (ARD), titled "Detective – Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow," was held in Moscow. Alexey Solomanidin, an Executive director of Vlasta-Consulting, participated in this significant event for the professional community. During the ceremonial part of the conference, Alexey Solomanidin, in his capacity as former President of the World Association of Detectives, presented the prestigious "Vinson-Holmes 'Best Security Specialist of the Year' Award" to Alexey Shcherbenev, President of the Association of Russian Detectives. This act of recognition underscored the authority of the Russian detective community on the international stage and Alexey Shcherbenev's significant contribution to the development of the profession. The conference brought together over 40 delegates from various regions of Russia, as well as partners from Israel, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan. The participants focused on analyzing the state of the detective movement, current challenges in the legislative regulation of private investigative activities in the Russian Federation, and defining prospects for the profession's development. The recently adopted Federal Law amending the regulation of private detective and security activities was discussed in detail during the event. Conference participants, including Alexey Solomanidin, noted that the new law requires further refinement, and the detective community faces active work in preparing specific amendments before it comes into force in September 2026. A particular highlight of the seminars and practical sessions was the topic of implementing innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and competitive intelligence, into the daily practice of private detectives. As participants emphasized, these tools are powerful means of information support, but their results always require thorough professional verification. Following the conference, a resolution was adopted containing a number of important decisions and recommendations: ● The active use by ARD members of experience in implementing AI and competitive intelligence was initiated. ● The necessity for the continuous improvement of professional competencies among private investigators was emphasized. ● A decision was made to create a working group to develop amendments to the ARD Charter and other documents to enhance the organization's effectiveness. ● The task of intensifying efforts to attract new members and strengthen the association's reputation was outlined. ● The conference organizers were instructed to submit a proposal to the State Duma Committee on Security to involve community experts in finalizing the law on private investigation. Participation in such an authoritative conference, including the award ceremony, allowed Alexey Solomanidin not only to stay abreast of key trends and legislative changes in the field of private investigation but also to highlight the continuity of professional traditions, exchange experiences with leading industry experts, and strengthen professional connections. The insights and contacts gained will be used for the further development of Vlasta-Consulting's services and to provide the company's clients with solutions that meet the most modern standards and technologies in detective and consulting activities.

On October 21, 2025, the leaders of Vlasta-Consulting took part in the authoritative industry conference: "Customs Value: Have We Exhausted the Approaches to Defining Its Structure?". The event was organized by the Statut School of Law and the company Taxology. Representing Vlasta-Consulting at the conference were Executive Director Alexey Vladimirovich Solomonidin and General Director Vladimir Gennadievich Solomonidin. The forum brought together leading lawyers, economists, declarants, and business representatives to discuss one of the most complex and critical issues in customs law—determining and justifying the structure of the customs value of goods. During the event, experts analyzed the current approaches and methodologies of the Russian Federal Customs Service for customs value control, the legal and practical aspects of forming its structure, as well as complex cases and contentious issues arising during declaration. Particular attention was paid to the prospects for changes in legislation and enforcement practices. For Vlasta-Consulting specialists, participation in such specialized events is an important part of their work. The constant monitoring of court practice, the positions of regulatory authorities, and new trends enables the company to offer its clients the most effective and up-to-date solutions in the field of customs regulation and risk mitigation. Participation in the conference underscores Vlasta-Consulting's commitment to expert principles and its strive to be at the forefront of professional knowledge, thereby providing clients with reliable legal and economic support amidst evolving legislation. Learn more about the conference on the organizer's website: <a href="https://taxology.ru/customsconference21102025 " target="_blank">https://taxology.ru/customsconference21102025</a>

Representatives of Vlasta-Consulting played a key role in the "Anti-Counterfeit" Forum, proposing an initiative aimed at a systemic solution to the problem of cross-border trafficking of counterfeit products in the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). The company participated as a speaker in the first discussion session, "Intellectual Order. Practice of Rights Holders Protection in the EAEU." During his speech, Konstantin Shestera, Operational Director of Vlasta-Consulting, clearly demonstrated the legal gap hindering the effective fight against the illegal market. He noted that in its practice, the company encounters a situation where a significant amount of information it gathers about the channels of movement and production of counterfeit goods cannot be promptly transferred to the competent authorities. This is due to existing legal and institutional barriers. "We have encountered a situation where we have nowhere to take the volume of information we can obtain and are willing to share with the authorities," stated Konstantin Shestera. "In the case of the EEC [Eurasian Economic Commission], it is more of a strategic matter, and they cannot guarantee operational efficiency. And in the case of the FTS [Federal Customs Service], their ability to engage is limited in a number of instances due to the absence of import within the single market of the EAEU." As a solution to this systemic problem, Vlasta-Consulting proposed creating an operational headquarters under the auspices of the EEC—a Transnational Operational Headquarters (TOSh). Its goal would be to unite the efforts of the customs and law enforcement agencies of the EAEU member states and the private sector to jointly develop tactical solutions. According to the initiative's concept, the headquarters would be tasked with collecting and analyzing information from all process participants, as well as setting specific tasks for national structures to execute. "This would make it possible to combine the efforts of both customs authorities, businesses, and the EEC," emphasized Shestera. "To formulate tasks and pass them down for execution to the very same customs services of the EAEU countries, and finally, to set this mechanism in motion, because right now it is at a standstill." The proposed initiative received lively feedback from forum participants and was recognized as promising for further detailed elaboration with regulators. You can watch Konstantin Shestera's full speech with the presentation on Rutube: <a href="https://rutube.ru/video/96c89ec3caeaaa42716dc8563e39431e/?r=wd " target="_blank">https://rutube.ru/video/96c89ec3caeaaa42716dc8563e39431e/?r=wd</a>

"Vlasta-Consulting" Attends Business Reception Marking the 25th Anniversary of Philip Morris Izhora Factory The event, held on September 23, 2025, was dedicated not only to the enterprise's anniversary but also to the sustainability practices of Philip Morris International in Russia (PMI in Russia). The invitation to the event was extended by PMI in Russia as part of a strategic dialogue with key business partners. The visit program included several key segments, allowing guests to gain a comprehensive overview of the production activities and strategy. <b>Focus on Sustainability, Anti-Illicit Trade, and Modern Manufacturing</b> The central part of the business program was a discussion of PMI in Russia's sustainability practices, which highlighted the company's key environmental and social initiatives. Particular attention during the discussion was paid to one of the most pressing issues for the legal business – combating the illicit trade of tobacco products. The importance of consolidated efforts by manufacturers, regulators, and specialized consulting companies in cleaning up the market was emphasized. This topic is directly related to the activities of "Vlasta-Consulting," which develops and implements comprehensive solutions to protect businesses from risks associated with counterfeit products. The culmination of the visit was a tour of the modern production facilities of the Philip Morris Izhora factory. Event participants, including a representative from "Vlasta-Consulting," were able to see the high-tech production lines, stringent quality control, and appreciate the level of organization of the production processes, which set the standard for the legal industry. Participation in this event allowed "Vlasta-Consulting" not only to strengthen its partnership with PMI in Russia but also to substantively discuss potential avenues for future cooperation in the field of intellectual property rights protection and the implementation of joint projects aimed at ensuring market integrity and fair competition.

Alexey Solomanidin, Head of the Vlasta-Consulting company, took part in the anniversary conference of the World Association of Detectives (WAD), which was held in Chicago from September 2 to 7, 2025, and was dedicated to the organization's centenary. The event became a milestone for the global community of investigation and security professionals. The historical significance of the conference was underscored by its venue—the famous The Drake Hotel. It was in this very hotel a century ago, in 1925, that the association's first conference was held. The current event brought together over 300 leading experts from more than 60 countries, representing the global WAD network, which comprises 1000 vetted members from over 85 countries. Alexey Solomanidin was one of the sponsors of this large-scale event, which testifies to the high professional status of Vlasta-Consulting and its commitment to the development of international standards in the field of investigations. In total, the event was supported by 32 professional associations from around the world, highlighting WAD's role as a unifying force in the profession. Throughout the week, participants took part in a packed agenda that included expert panels, training workshops, networking sessions, and ceremonial events. Key events included: ● A welcoming 1920s-themed "Casino Night" reception. ● A presentation by the organization "Truckers Against Trafficking," dedicated to the fight against human trafficking. ● An ambassadors' reception and the official awards gala dinner. As noted by the President of the World Association of Detectives, Wes Burden: "WAD continues to be the gold standard of international cooperation in the investigative and security industry. Marking a century of our global influence, we look to the future with confidence, preparing to shape the future of the investigative industry in an increasingly complex and interconnected world." Participation in such an authoritative conference helps strengthen Vlasta-Consulting's position on the international stage and opens up new opportunities for professional exchange and cooperation.

The departure of a number of international brands and the suspension of official supply chains have plunged the Russian automotive goods market into a crisis due to a severe shortage of quality materials. According to <a href="https://iz.ru/1951141/vladimir-gavrilov/brak-i-raschety-polovina-avtoservisov-otkazyvaet-v-remonte-avto-s-zapchastyami-klientov?utm_source=yxnews&utm_medium=desktop&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fdzen.ru%2Fnews%2Fsearch" target="_blank">Izvestia</a>, counterfeit products now outnumber original ones in several categories. Unscrupulous manufacturers have flooded the market with counterfeit goods, while auto service centers, trying to work with what is available, are often forced to turn away customers or use dubious alternatives, which hits car owners' wallets and compromises their safety. It is precisely in this challenging environment that our mission is to make a real contribution to legitimizing the market, ensuring quality and safety for consumers. A prime example of this work is a recent joint operation in which specialists from "Vlasta-Consulting" assisted law enforcement agencies—the Main Directorate for Economic Security and Combating Corruption of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (<a href="https://mvdmedia.ru/news/ofitsialnyy-predstavitel/irina-volk-vo-vladimirskoy-oblasti-likvidirovan-tsekh-po-proizvodstvu-kontrafaktnykh-motornykh-masel/" target="_blank">GUÉBiPK MVD Russia</a>), the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (UMVD), and the Directorate of the Federal Security Service (UFSB) for the Vladimir Region. In April 2024, a criminal case was initiated for the illegal use of trademarks (Part 3, Article 180 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). During the investigation, the activities of an illegal workshop in the village of Ileykino were shut down. There, the perpetrators had established a full production cycle: from mixing low-quality base materials to packaging the "products" in canisters copying the packaging of well-known brands, thereby infringing on their rights. Specialists from "Vlasta-Consulting," engaged as experts, took direct part in the raid. During 22 searches, two production lines, over 25 pallets of finished counterfeit products, packaging materials, and two cargo vehicles used for logistics were discovered and seized. Our key role involved conducting an urgent preliminary examination on-site, which allowed for the immediate identification of the products as counterfeit, proper documentation of all physical evidence, and prevented the perpetrators from covering their tracks. Additionally, cash amounting to over 2 million rubles was seized from the residences of the individuals involved, along with documentation and electronic media. As a result, five suspects, including the organizer, were detained, and restrictive measures were applied against all of them. Our work does not end here—"Vlasta-Consulting" continues to provide advisory and expert support for the criminal case to fully dismantle the distribution channels and bring the guilty to justice. Thus, while illegal actors try to profit from the industry's difficult situation, we are making the market fairer, putting a stop to this vicious practice, and protecting those companies that are committed to safeguarding their consumers from substandard products. Our contribution is not just a fight against counterfeiting, but a real step towards cleansing the market and protecting everyone who gets behind the wheel of their car—a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of public-private partnership in the struggle for quality and legality.

On July 25, 2025, an important meeting was held at the Federal Customs Service (FCS) of Russia, dedicated to discussing measures to combat the illicit trafficking of tobacco products within the EAEU. The event was chaired by Oleg Galinurovich Gubaidulin, Deputy Head of the FCS. During the meeting, Oleg Galinurovich expressed readiness to focus on concrete actions and the development of algorithms, while expecting detailed proposals from business representatives on further steps. One of the key issues raised was the practice of split shipments, a trend involving the use of passenger vehicles instead of cargo trucks. This allows violators to evade sealing requirements and minimize losses in case of vehicle inspections. The problem of split shipments reflects the complex situation in the EAEU market, where goods can quickly move across territories. Meeting participants emphasized that combating such micro-channels requires gathering information on planned shipments and vehicles used, as well as ensuring rapid response from authorities within 48 hours. Representatives from Vlasta-Consulting expressed readiness to collect data but stressed the need for prompt action, as outdated information significantly reduces the effectiveness of efforts to curb illicit tobacco trafficking. At the end of the meeting, it was proposed to establish direct 24/7 communication channels with the FCS to enable faster responses to emerging threats. All participants expressed hope for continued cooperation to achieve stability and legality in the EAEU tobacco market.

Shocking Stats: Every Second Part Could Be Fake A recent investigation by Russia 1 TV revealed that up to 40% of auto parts and motor oils in Russia are counterfeit. Drivers trying to save money end up with fakes—leading to breakdowns, costly repairs, and forced purchases of genuine parts. The result? Double spending and safety risks. The report emphasized labeling as a way to spot fakes. But the problem runs deeper. Why Is There So Much Counterfeit Product on the Market? Experts from Russia 1 TV highlight two major challenges: 1.Mixed Shipments: Fakes Hidden Among Genuine Parts Even trusted suppliers might unknowingly deliver batches contaminated with counterfeits. Blind trust isn’t enough—every part must be checked. 2.Marketplaces vs. Repair Shops: Where’s the Risk Higher? Professional auto services inspect every component before installation. Meanwhile, major online platforms often fail to vet sellers, allowing fakes to be sold as branded goods. What Does Vlasta-Consulting Propose? Fighting counterfeits requires more than consumer awareness—it demands market reforms. The solution is a systematic approach. 1.Support for Legal Distributors – Strengthening verification mechanisms, warehouse controls, and supply chain oversight. 2.Cooperation with Regulators – Tighter controls, swift confiscation of counterfeit goods, and suppression of illegal trade. 3.Transparent Supply Chains – From manufacturer to end consumer. Vlasta-Consulting is committed to making the auto parts market safer. Choose trusted suppliers. Demand authenticity. Don’t compromise on safety!

The leadership team of Vlasta Consulting participated in the Anniversary Summer Reception of the Association of European Businesses (AEB), held under the motto “Once Upon a Time… Our Dream, Our Story, Our Future” to celebrate AEB’s 30th anniversary. The reception brought together businesses and organizations operating in the Russian market, serving as a platform for exchanging ideas and establishing new business connections. Participants discussed key industry trends, current challenges, and shared their visions and plans for the future. Participation in such events is a strategic priority for our company, as it strengthens partnerships, fosters client engagement, and facilitates the exchange of cutting-edge business solutions.

On July 2, 2025, a meeting of the Customs Regulation Working Group was held at the Eurasian Economic Commission. The event focused on discussing measures to combat illegal nicotine-containing products that are imported and distributed within the EAEU territory. During the meeting, the current situation on the tobacco product market was analyzed, and proposals from the business community regarding priority customs regulation measures were discussed. Participants examined trends in the illegal circulation of tobacco products and emphasized the importance of preventing unlawful cross-border movement of such goods within the Union. Special attention was given to navigation seals — a tracking system for monitoring shipments of tobacco and nicotine-containing products. Since January 27, 2025, the use of electronic navigation seals has been mandatory for transporting goods such as alcohol, tobacco products, clothing, footwear, and electronics across the borders of Russia and Belarus. Participants discussed the possibility of expanding their use throughout the Union to enhance control and reduce illegal supplies. Leaders of Vlasta-Consulting supported the initiatives proposed during the meeting and presented their recommendations for improving the situation in the tobacco market. At the same time, a growing strategy among violators was described in response to the implementation of navigation seals. The so-called "shipment fragmentation" involves transporting illegal goods in small batches using small vehicles to avoid detection. This tactic complicates efforts to combat illegal tobacco imports. Representatives of Vlasta expressed their readiness to cooperate with customs authorities and proposed establishing channels for rapid communication and information exchange. This will help respond promptly to violations, especially since routes within the EAEU typically take only a few days to pass. Vlasta-Consulting will continue participating in discussions on improving customs regulation measures and will carry out informational activities to enhance efforts against illegal products. Engaging in such events allows the company to more effectively represent its clients' interests and contribute to creating transparent business conditions.

On July 1, 2025, Vlasta-Consulting participated in the annual meeting of the European Business Association (EBA) with the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The event brought together leading representatives of the business community to discuss current issues related to economic cooperation. Key topics of the meeting included: ● Analysis of the current geopolitical situation and its impact on business ● Problems of politicization in international economic relations ● Adaptation of business strategies to new economic realities Special attention was given to issues of ensuring business sustainability under sanctions pressure, maintaining business ties between Russia and Europe, and legal regulation of the activities of international companies.

On June 18, 2025, a representative of Vlasta-Consulting visited the Russian Customs Academy in Lyubertsy, where the 15th meeting of the Working Group on Intellectual Property Rights Protection under the Subcommittee on Customs Cooperation of the Russian-Chinese Commission for Preparing Regular Meetings of the Heads of Governments took place. The event brought together experts and representatives of customs authorities from Russia and China to discuss key issues related to cooperation within the framework of the bilateral commission. During the meeting, issues concerning interaction between Russian and Chinese customs authorities were discussed. It was noted that for an effective fight against counterfeiting and illegal shipments, it is crucial for brands to register their trademarks in the TRoIS system both in Russia and China. If a brand is registered only in one of these countries, it significantly complicates full cooperation between customs services and hampers efforts to combat counterfeiting at the international level. In this regard, the participants urged the business community to register their trademarks in the TRoIS system in both countries. Such an approach will enable Russian and Chinese customs authorities not only to communicate and exchange signals about suspicious shipments but also to take prompt action to prevent them. Ultimately, this will enhance the effectiveness of measures against counterfeit supplies and protect rights holders' interests at the international level. Vlasta-Consulting continues to actively participate in initiatives aimed at protecting intellectual property rights and promotes the creation of a secure business environment for Russian companies.

From March 4 to 6, 2025, a large-scale Congress of Leaders of "OPORA RUSSIA" and the Association "NP OPORA" was held in Irkutsk Region, bringing together over 500 participants — representatives of business, federal and regional authorities, financial institutions, and public associations. During the event, eight specialized sessions were conducted, dedicated to the most pressing issues of modern entrepreneurship: - Foreign economic activity in the face of new challenges; - Protection of entrepreneurs' rights and legislative improvements; - Intellectual property and combating patent trolling; - Support for the defense-industrial complex; - Implementation of artificial intelligence in manufacturing; - Effective work with marketplaces and digital platforms. One of the key sessions was dedicated to "Combating Trolling in Intellectual Property," led by Natalia Zolotykh, Vice President of "OPORA RUSSIA" and Chairperson of the Public Council under Rospatent. The session addressed urgent questions: - Who are patent trolls and how do they exploit intellectual property mechanisms? - Real cases from the alcohol and souvenir industries; - Effective ways to protect businesses from unscrupulous rights holders. Experts such as Igor Khavsky (brewery industry) and Grigory Kuzmin (author tourism) provided examples where dishonest rights holders demanded compensation amounts reaching tens of millions of rubles. Patent attorney Anna Kurapova detailed measures for protection: 1. Mandatory patent searches before launching products; 2. Registration of trademarks and patents; 3. Use of legal mechanisms against abuses. "Vlasta-Consulting," as an expert in intellectual property protection, supports "OPORA RUSSIA's" position on the necessity of creating a safe business environment where competition is based on principles of fairness and respect for intellectual property. In the case of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), we believe it is essential to conduct informational work that helps business representatives understand legislative requirements. This will enable them to minimize risks not only related to violations of their IP objects but also to avoid claims from other market participants by developing a competent IP strategy. Participation in events like the "OPORA RUSSIA" Congress provides an opportunity not only to adopt best practices but also to strengthen partnership ties. "Vlasta-Consulting" will continue actively engaging in dialogue with the business community and government structures to promote principles of fair entrepreneurship.

On February 27, 2025, a landmark event took place at the office of the All-Russian Police Association IPA – the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Association and Vlasta-Consulting LLC. During the event, Vladimir Gennadievich Solomonidin, General Director of Vlasta-Consulting LLC, was awarded the "Police Solidarity" medal for his significant contribution to combating counterfeit products and strengthening public order. The cooperation will include the exchange of expertise, joint events, and the implementation of projects aimed at improving the quality of services in the field of security and public order. It will also focus on developing joint projects in the area of intellectual property protection. The parties agreed to share knowledge, conduct training events, and implement innovative solutions to combat counterfeiting. "We highly value the opportunity to cooperate with the All-Russian Police Association IPA. I am confident that our partnership will strengthen the fight against counterfeiting and raise public awareness," said Vladimir Solomonidin. The signing of the agreement marks an important step in strengthening collaboration between Vlasta-Consulting and the All-Russian Police Association.

Vlasta-Consulting experts provided support in the case of an illegal shampoo production facility in Syzran. The underground workshop operated for nearly a year, using well-known brands to manufacture counterfeit products. Law enforcement officers, with the assistance of the National Guard, detained the suspected organizer of the illegal business. During searches, more than 30,000 plastic containers with counterfeit products and special packaging equipment were seized. The criminal case has been initiated under Article 180 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, and the suspect is under travel restrictions. The company continues to actively support law enforcement in combating counterfeit products, protecting intellectual property rights, and safeguarding consumer interests. <a href="https://www.syzran-small.ru/news-90447" target="_blank"> Source </a>

The organized criminal group was exposed after more than three years of producing and distributing counterfeit household chemicals in Penza. The counterfeit products were sold nationwide through major marketplaces such as Wildberries and OZON. The prevented damage exceeded 5 million rubles. The counterfeit goods were labeled in Russian and included fake import markings, complicating their detection. The production was orchestrated by several entrepreneurs who employed illegal migrants in underground workshops. The organized group was found guilty. The court imposed fines exceeding 500,000 rubles for each participant, and one individual received a sentence of two years in a high-security penal colony. Vlasta-Consulting remains committed to protecting intellectual property rights, assisting in identifying violations, and contributing to the fight against illegal activities that threaten consumer rights and the economy. <a href="https://www.penzainform.ru/news/crime/2024/12/11/v_penze_chleni_opg_poddelivali_fairy_ariel_i_persil.html" target="_blank"> Source </a>

In the course of the raid, law enforcement officers seized over 200,000 unmarked cigarettes worth more than 20 million rubles. The illegal goods, imported from abroad, were stored in a warehouse and a nearby commercial space in the Kirovsky district. The suspect, a 46-year-old man, sold the cigarettes "hand-to-hand" by pre-order only. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the police and the National Guard, the organizer of this illegal business was detained. Vlasta-Consulting specialists assisted in analyzing the products, helping to identify their origin and confirm the violations. The seized samples have been sent for expert examination, and a procedural decision will be made based on the results. The company continues to actively support law enforcement in combating illegal trade, protecting consumers' rights and the interests of legitimate producers. <a href="https://vn.ru/news-v-novosibirske-izyaty-sigarety-na-20-millionov-rubley/" target="_blank"> Source </a>

September 24 to 29, 2024, Kuala Lumpur hosted the 99th conference of the World Detective Association, founded in 1925 and boasting nearly 1,000 members from over 75 countries. The event focused on current investigative issues, new technologies, and methods used by detectives. The association has established itself as a professional platform free from political trends, highlighted by the active participation of Russian detectives. Special attention was given to the contributions of former association president Alexey Solomanidin, who played a key role in supporting the association operationional activities during the crisis period and was re-elected to the executive committee. During the conference, the Vinson Holmes Memorial Award was presented to Alexey Shcherbenev, president of the Russian Association of Detectives, for his outstanding achievements and contributions to the sphere of detective work. This recognition underscored the importance of professional interaction on the international stage. Conference participants emphasized that such events strengthen ties between detective agencies and law enforcement bodies in various countries, while also enhancing the effectiveness of detectives worldwide.

The company Vlasta-Consulting provided comprehensive support in the detection and seizure of a large batch of counterfeit household chemicals in the Kaliningrad region. The company's experts played a key role in the inspection process, offering expert evaluations and assisting law enforcement in identifying counterfeit products. <a href="https://vesti-kaliningrad.ru/pochti-tri-tonny-kontrafaktnoj-bytovoj-himii-obnaruzhili-policzejskie-v-odnom-iz-torgovyh-czentrov-v-kaliningrade/" target="_blank">Source</a>

On April 25, 2024, the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association of European Businesses was held at Soglasie hall in Moscow. The elections of the Board and Auditing Commission took place. Alexey Solomanidin and Konstantin Shestera (managing and operational director of Vlasta-Consulting, respectively) participated in this event. It was also managed to use the great opportunity given by the platform for networking and sharing the current status of anticounterfeiting activities in Russia. From our side we find it quite important to highlight the role of AEB as an integrator of different business voices, working on the territory of Russia and a place to discuss both challenges and opportunities foreign company face.

From April 11 to 14, the annual interim meeting of the World Association of Detectives (WAD) was held in the Republic of Panama. Alexey Solomanidin participated on behalf of Vlasta Consulting, as well as former president of WAD. Within the framework of this conference, there was an exchange of experience, a number of reports were held and the most pressing issues were discussed. Founded in 1921, W.A.D. is the oldest and largest association of its kind in the world, bringing together over 900 members from more than 100 countries.

On the 15th of March, 2024, within the framework of the ongoing interaction with law enforcement agencies, on the base of the Russian Institute of Continuing Education of MIA officers, the specialists of LLC “Vlasta Consulting” conducted a training on combating the proliferation of counterfeit goods. The enforcement officers of different Russian regions (Rostov, Sverdlovsk, Lugansk, Kemerovo regions etc.) participated in the training. In the frames of the meeting, specialists from LLC “Vlasta Consulting” conducted a workshop for the police officers and highlighted the brands that are most often counterfeited and provided the distinguished signs of the mentioned products. At the conclusion of the event, the LEA officers asked the representatives of the company the questions they were interested in, and exchanged useful information with each other, expressing desire for further cooperation.

On March 14, 2024 Konstantin Shestera (Director of Operations and Communications of Vlasta Consulting) visited the Higher School of Economics and gave a lecture to students. Within the meeting the problems of combating the distribution and production of counterfeit products. Special attention was paid to the economic feasibility of brand protection activities, as a tool of minimization of the producing company’s losses and investing in expanding markets for products. Konstantin Shestera explained to the students the peculiarities of working in the Brand Protection field and shared his experience in dealing with the different types of intellectual infringements with a special focus on the online environment. It should be noted that the lecture was interactive and each student could ask the speaker questions.

On March 11, 2024, Executive Director of Vlasta Consulting Alexey Solomanidin gave an interview to the Russia-1 TV channel, in which the issue of saturating the Russian market with counterfeit motor oil of foreign brands was discussed. It was noted that in this market segment there was a complete withdrawal from the Russian market by a number of the largest foreign manufacturers - who not only completely curtailed sales of their products, but also stopped participating in the fight against counterfeiting. As a result, a significant share of their market has passed into the hands of violators, who are actively saturating the market with counterfeits. At the same time, the quality of counterfeit canisters and packaging is often so high that they leave no chance for the average consumer to protect themselves from purchasing counterfeit products. <a href="https://smotrim.ru/video/2772598" target="_blank">Interview link</a>

On the 5th of March 2024 the virtual conference regarding the problems of the informational security was organized by Alexey Solomanidin as former President of the World Association of Detectives. The representatives of several international organizations from over 10 countries participated in this meeting. The main topics of the conference was the discussion of various risks and the ways of eliminating them in the investigative field. The speakers shared with each other their experience in the informational protection industry, especially in the current controversial situation in the world.

On February 27, a meeting between the Antimonopoly Service of the Kyrgyz Republic, headed by the head of the department for consumer protection and unfair competition Ruslan Kazakov, and the management of the Vlasta Consulting company was held in the city of Bishkek. At this meeting, the main issues related to unfair competition, consumer protection, including the one against counterfeit products sold in Kyrgyzstan, were discussed. Department specialists informed us about the functions and powers of the antimonopoly authority, the peculiarities of the service’s work, and also shared current practice and possible ways of further interaction with Vlasta Consulting company, which represents the interests of various global brands in the Kyrgyz Republic. Representatives of Vlasta Consulting company expressed their willingness to provide all necessary support in the fight against illegal products. Vlasta Consulting thanks the Antimonopoly Service and looks forward to further cooperation!

On February 27, 2023 a meeting between representatives of the Vlasta Consulting company and the State Service for Intellectual Property and Innovation under the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic «Kyrgyzpatent» was held. At this meeting, current issues of intellectual property protection in the Kyrgyz Republic were discussed. Representatives of Kyrgyzpatent shared current practices and statistics in combating the spread of counterfeit goods, and issues of bilateral cooperation in the field of intellectual property were discussed. Vlasta-Consulting thanks Kyrgyzpatent for the warm welcome and hopes for further fruitful cooperation within brand protection activities on the territory of Kyrgyzstan.

In November 2023 a large-scale operation to suppress the illegal activity of the illicit production facility in Vladimir Oblast was conducted by the officers from the Main Department of Economic Security and Anti-Corruption of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia. The infringers were manufacturing counterfeit sneakers under several popular brands hiding behind the production of their own goods. In the frames of the raid action about 640 000 pairs of sneakers were revealed and seized by LEA officers. The criminal cases for the illegal usage of means of individualization of goods (art. 180 part 3 of the Criminal Code) were initiated by the Investigation Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the city of Gus’-Khrustal’ny. The news about the mentioned enforcement action is also published on the Forbes website: <a href="https://www.forbes.ru/biznes/501378-rbk-uznal-o-vozbuzdenii-ugolovnyh-del-iz-za-poddelki-krossovok-nike-i-adidas" target="_blank">https://www.forbes.ru/biznes/501378-rbk-uznal-o-vozbuzdenii-ugolovnyh-del-iz-za-poddelki-krossovok-nike-i-adidas</a>

On the 19th – 21th of November 2023 a congress of leaders of OPORA RUSSIA and the NP OPORA Association with the support of the Head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov was held in the city of Grozny. This congress was attended by the representatives of relevant authorities and educational institutions, leaders of the Organization, heads and members of regional branches, and the Vlasta-Consulting company represented by Deputy CEO Konstantin Shestera also took part. The key event was the plenary session dedicated to the development of small businesses in industry, tourism and trade as a point of economic growth in the Chechen Republic. The main issues of concern to entrepreneurs were discussed: • How to protect intellectual property (trademarks, developments, etc.) on the territory of the Russian Federation and when entering foreign markets; • How to protect the rights of entrepreneurs when making claims for intellectual property violation; • Combating counterfeit products; • Capitalization of intellectual property and attraction of investments in intellectual assets; • Protection of regional brands and the use of geographical names in trademarks; A representative of Vlasta-Consulting took an active part in the discussions as an expert and speaker.

The international seminar concerning the protection and commercialization of the intellectual property objects in Belarus and abroad was held on 11 October 2023 in Minsk city. The representative of LLC “Vlasta-Consulting” in Belarus participated in this seminar that was organazied by the State Committee for Science and Technology of Belarus and the National Center of the intellectual property. There were more than 150 participants engaged including the specialists from the enforcement and antimonopoly agencies, the sectoral ministers and concerns, as well as the companies -exporters from Belarus. The topics of the meeting were the tools of the protection for the rights for intellectual property and the instruments of the protection of the rights of the rightsholders including abroad.

On 5-7 October 2023 XI International Forum “Anticounterfeit - 2023” dedicated to the issues of the protection of the markets of Eurasian Economic Union countries was held in St.-Petersburg city. The meeting was organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation. This year the main objective of the forum has been ensuring the constructive dialogue for the problems of the innovative economics and the development of the effective measures for the legal protection of the customs and business interests. The topic of combating counterfeit products’ production and distribution that is a serious threat for the economic security was also discussed within the forum. One of the important parts of the forum’s program was the session with the participation of the Vice-chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation – D.V. Manturov.

Employees of the Main Department of Economic Security and Anti-Corruption of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, together with colleagues from Penza oblast, terminated the illegal production of household chemicals. Four residents of Penza were detained, who are suspected of illegal use of means of individualization of goods committed by an organized group. The criminal business was organized in a warehouse, where a workshop was equipped for the production of dishwashing liquid and plastic packaging for it. It was previously established that a trademark of a well-known world brand was applied to the products without the knowledge of the copyright holder. The counterfeit was distributed on the territory of different regions of the Russian Federation. During the searches, the police seized over 150 tons of finished products. The employees detained citizens of the Central Asian republics who were employed by the illegal venture. Protocols on violation of the regime of stay in the Russian Federation have been drawn up in respect of two emigrants. The court decided to expel them from the country. Investigators of the investigative Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia in Penza oblast pressed charges on the grounds of a crime provided for in part 4 of Article 180 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. The business organizer is also charged with organizing illegal migration. A preventive measure i.e. a subscription not to leave and proper behaviour was applied in relation to the defendants in the case.

Employees of the Department of Economic Security and Anti-Corruption of the Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia in the city of Volzhsky, in cooperation with colleagues from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia in Volgograd oblast, detained seven local residents. The director of a commercial organization and his acquaintances are suspected of illegal use of means of individualization of goods committed by an organized group. It was previously established that illegal activity was carried out on the territory of an industrial enterprise. Along with the production of washing powder of their own registered trademark, the offenders organized the manufacture of household chemicals under the trademarks of a well-known global manufacturer. Counterfeit goods were supplied to several regions of Russia, as well as to one of the neighboring countries. During searches and inspections of vehicles, the police seized 8.5 thousand packages of washing powder and almost three thousand bottles of detergent with signs of counterfeiting, as well as packaging materials and other items of evidentiary value. According to experts, the damage caused to copyright holders amounted to more than 6.5 million rubles. The investigator of the Investigative Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia in the city of Volzhsky initiated a criminal case on the grounds of a crime under part 4 of Article 180 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. A measure of procedural coercion in the form of an obligation to appear" applies to the defendants, said Irina Volk, the official representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia. <a href="https://xn--b1aew.xn--p1ai/news/item/40737662/" target="_blank"> Source</a>

The International Conference of the World Association of Detectives (W.A.D.) took place in Prague on April 27-30, 2023, chaired by Alexey Solomanidin, Executive Director of Vlasta Consulting. During the period 2021-2022 Alexey Solomanidin was the President of this organization, and currently holds the position of Chairman of the Board. At the meeting the results of the past year were summarized, the current operational processes were discussed and plans for further development for 2023 were made. Various issues related to corporate security and intellectual property protection were brought up and resolved during the conference. Vlasta Consulting and W.A.D. have been collaborating for decades. Within this period, the leaders of Vlasta Consulting had the greatest honour of holding the presidency of this organization, which counts several hundred members from 80 countries and is considered the largest association of its kind in the world. Despite the challenging political environment, leaders and members of WAD continue to demonstrate unity and commitment to the core principles of the organization which are a sense of community, mutual support and a willingness to provide services to partners while adhering to high ethical standards.

Within the framework of combating the manufacture and spreading of counterfeit products and with the goal of development and deepening of collaboration between enforcement bodies on 26 April 2023 Vlasta Consulting Ltd. employees held a meeting with O.A. Baranov, head of the Main directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia in Moscow. Within the meeting, the significant success of the Department of Internal Affairs of SZAO GUMVD of Moscow’s Ministry of Internal Affairs was noted, namely in identifying and suppression of the entire chain of manufacture and distribution of counterfeit products, from counterfeits in retail to around-the-clock illegal production. As a gesture of gratitude and high regard of professional qualities of police staff, representatives of Vlasta Consulting Ltd. presented Oleg Anatolyevich Baranov with a letter of thanks. Also, during the meeting issues of combating counterfeit products were discussed. In particular, it was confirmed that combating illegal goods is still a major direction of work both in terms of consumer protection from low-quality and potentially dangerous products and in terms of fighting for a legal, honest market. A discussion of the necessity of both holding violators administratively responsible and prosecuting them under the criminal law was held. Vlasta Consulting expresses gratitude to the staff and leadership of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for their relentless struggle and selfless work for the protection of intellectual property.

A letter with the request to allocate a budget for ensuring the temporary storage of seized counterfeit products was prepared by Vlasta-Consulting experts together with the National Automobile Union. At the moment police officers often do not have the ability to transport and store these products which leads to the situation when counterfeit goods are not being transported anywhere from the raid location and are being left for storage at the infringer’s premises under his responsibility for safe storage offender himself (leading to products’ sudden disappearance) or confiscated and stored, but at the expense of the rightholder. The article focuses on auto parts, and the situation in the sphere is indeed critical. But we want to underline that quite the same situation takes place in all other industries, and one of the most vulnerable industries is household chemicals - dishwashing detergents, shampoos, cleaning products, etc. By average, with our participation an illegal production is being taken down every month, and the amount of seized goods is being estimated not in pallets, but 20-ton trucks. We are delighted to take an active part in the process of preparing this initiative and express our special gratitude to the leaders of the National Union of Motorists, represented by Anton Shaparin, for his proactive position and readiness to protect the interests and rights of consumers. In parallel with this initiative, we also plan to draw the attention of the government to delays and “obstacles" in the destruction of counterfeit products, closing another «blind» spot that makes it difficult to combat counterfeit goods.

The specialists of “Vlasta Consulting” ltd conducted the independent research based on the 186 first instance court decisions on the cases of the illegal production, acquisition, storage, transport and sale of the unmarked alcohol and tobacco products is bulk, including the infringement by a group of people by prior conspiracy. As a result of the work carried out, it was revealed that for the period 2021-2021. only 2.7% of criminal cases (5 decisions) ended with a real term of imprisonment. In the course of the analysis, it was found that most of the court decisions in criminal cases consisted in bringing the infringers to justice by issuing a suspended sentence or paying a fine, fines were also analyzed under Article 171 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, as well as the criminal terms received by the accused. The tobacco industry is one of the most profitable parts of the Russian budget. The illegal market of tobacco products that avoid tax payments, reflects in the shortfalls with the state budget that have the negative impact on the Russian economy in general. Such insignificant level of the liability and slight punishment for the illegal activity leads to the development of the “shadow” tobacco market. The infringers that are suppressed receive the punishment of the conditional sentence or fine that is much less than their illegal income, that is why the criminals are not afraid of being caught and could continue their illicit activity without any high risks. Although the LEA officers are actively combating illegal tobacco business and catch the infringers in order to get them to the liability, these suppressed criminals are committed with hardly impunity, as such small court measures do not put enough pressure on the criminal tobacco business. Taking into account the current situation in Russia with all the sanctions imposed by other countries, there is a 100% possibility of the significant increase of the illegal tobacco market share and the growth of the “underground” producers and illegal distributors of the counterfeit products.

The large-scale operation aimed at the suppression of the illegal production facilities of the chemical products was conducted by the criminal police. The manufacturing of fake goods under popular brands has been organized by 3 individuals that have been illegally operating in Nizhny Novgorod city since 2021. As a result of the raid actions at the personal apartments, warehouses and illicit facilities, more than 100 thousand counterfeit units (amounted to more than 5 mln. rubles) as well as the production elements (empty bottles, labels, equipment, packages) were seized by the police. The criminal proceeding under Art.180 Part 3 of the Criminal Code was initiated. All the infringers are under the house arrest. The conducted suppression has been reported by the official channel of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs.

In the course of the Meeting of Board of Directors of World Association of Detectives that took place on the 29th of October an Executive Director of Vlasta-Consulting Ltd. Alexey Solomanidin was unanimously elected President of the World Association of Detectives. Vlasta Team congratulates Alexey Solomanidin with this achievement and wishes him to continue the successful journey as a President of W.A.D.

Employees of the Department of Economic Security and Anti-Corruption of the Internal Affairs Directorate for the South-Western Administrative District of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia in Moscow suppressed the illegal activities of an organized group that specialized in the illegal manufacture and sale of counterfeit motor oils, as well as household chemicals under the trademarks of world famous manufacturers. For the production of counterfeit products, the infringers used the facilities of the plant located in the Pushkin city district of the Moscow region. Storage, packing and packaging of counterfeits took place in office and warehouse premises, and orders for the supply of goods to various regions of Russia and neighboring countries were accepted at the call center in Saratov. The investigator of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia in Moscow initiated a criminal case. According to preliminary estimates, the damage to the right holders exceeds 250 million rubles.

Vapes and disposable electric cigarettes as Hqd, izi and others are becoming more and more popular with the teenagers nowadays. There is a misperception that such devices are harmless in comparison with the ordinary cigarettes and tobacco heating systems. However, it is not true. The production of the disposable electric cigarettes is not legally controlled; thus, the manufacturers could use any kind of poisonous elements in the vape liquids. Smoking or vaping of such devices negatively impacts the young health of teenagers (target audience of the electric cigarettes) and cause the tense addiction that furtherly results in serious consequences as heart diseases and respiratory infections. Although the advertising of nicotine products is banned by Instagram, numerous bloggers -idols of the children are showing smoking in their daily “histories” on their social accounts. The teenagers are following this trend of their heroes and want to be like their cult figures from Instagram and Tik-Tok. Vape-shops are dealing with the famous influencers by purchasing the PR of their electric cigarettes that allows them to place the advertisements on the news feed of millions of teens. Unlike ordinary cigarettes, these devises are presented for sale online and could be purchased by teenagers. In the framework of combating these trade, Alexey Solomanidin, executive director of “Vlasta-Consulting” company has shared his opinion on this problem with ‘NTV” channel: “All the commercials and sales of disposable electric cigarettes are aimed at young people. There is no age verification for online sales, thus it is not possible to confirm that the consumer is an adult”. It is a high necessity of developing legal framework to ensure that the sales are not possible for teens as well as implement the sanctions for the violators selling the devises not to adults.

In the city of Taldom, Moscow region, law enforcement agencies suppressed the illegal production of counterfeit motor oil marked by well-known brands. An automated filling line, equipment for packing and loading motor oil, more than 50 tons of petroleum products, as well finished products and labels of various brands were found and seized. According to preliminary data, the prevented damage for the rightholders more than 8 million rubles. A criminal case was initiated under Part 4 of Art. 180 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation "Illegal use of means of individualization of goods (works, services)". The investigation is ongoing.

On February 17, 2021 specialists of Vlasta-Consulting took part in the III All-Russian scientific and practical conference with international participation «Security in the modern world», which was held at the Volgograd Institute of Management, a branch of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA). More than 140 teachers, graduate students, undergraduates, students of Russian universities from various cities of Russia, as well as representatives of such foreign universities as: El Mansur University, Moscow. Mansura (Egypt), Institute of Sociology of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Minsk (Belarus) participated in this event. The importance of conducting inspections when hiring, as well as choosing counterparties, as the most important tool for reducing corporate risks was highlighted by Vlasta-Consulting specialists. Following the results of the conference, a collection of articles based on the materials of the reports of the conference participants will be published.

As one of the consequences of the pandemic, cybercriminals have begun to actively sell fake doctor’s notes and vaccination certificates. As an experiment, the Russia-24 channel’s film crew asked for such a service and made an appointment with the courier to receive a certificate confirming vaccination against COVID-19. The certificate purchased under a fictitious name was delivered by a courier, and later, upon examining the document, they found that the certificate was made in high quality (glossy paper, clear print, clinic stamps and doctor's signature). It was discovered that the doctor who signed the certificate actually works in this medical institution. In this regard, a visit was made to the polyclinic, where the head doctor did not want to talk and answer questions. This indicates the consistency and interest of all parties in these violations. Konstantin Shestera, operating director of the consulting company Vlasta-Consulting: “It can be argued that the certificate was actually issued in a medical institution, whose stamp is on it, but this does not negate the fact that the document is fake, since the person who received this certificate has not been vaccinated. " Buyers of these certificates naively believe that by purchasing such documents, they will be able to receive real protection and safely leave the country, but this is a delusion. The best confirmation is an electronic certificate of completion of the second stage of vaccination, upon which the data of the vaccinated patient is entered into the database of the medical organization and into the unified medical information and analytical system. In addition, police officers do not stop searching the Internet for organizations offering illegal services. Indeed, with a thorough check, fake certificates and certificates are easily recognized, and for the use of such a "meaningless piece of paper" you might end up paying with your own freedom. Alexey Solomanidin, executive director of the consulting company Vlasta-Consulting: “This is a matter of criminal liability and risks not only for the seller and manufacturer, but also for the buyer and the bearer of this certificate. The punishments under this article are quite serious, up to and including imprisonment. " In addition to the original document on vaccination, this procedure provides protection against a dangerous virus, and this is currently of crucial importance.

Year to year, the price of tobacco products is growing, and in this increases the number of illegal products that can be purchased two- or threefold cheaper. Illegal cigarettes can be contraband or counterfeit. The former is usually smuggled across the border, and representatives of the FCS are called upon to fight against this. The latter is often produced in clandestine factories. Such workshops are often covered by security officials. A lot of unmarked products are sold particularly in cities with a population over 1 mil, where cheap counterfeit products can be purchased not only in stores, but also in a flourishing online trade market (individual sites, telegram channels, etc.). In a new investigation by Eduard Petrov, " Tabak Case - 3" on the TV channel ‘Russia-24’, together with specialists from "Vlasta-Consulting" company, discovered an online company with brands of cigarettes that are currently not officially produced (Rodopi, Stewardess, TU-134) ... An order was placed and an appointment was made. On the appointed day, the courier arrived at the address where the film crew was expecting him. The courier did not give answers to the questions posed regarding the prohibition of the sale of these products online. After explaining the whole situation, he decided to independently and promptly destroy the goods he had brought. Konstantin Shestera, Deputy General Director of Vlasta-Consulting, reviewed two brands of BT and Dubao cigarettes, which should not technically be on sale. One of the packs had a fake excise tax stamp, the other lacked the stamp entirely. All this points to it being a fake.

General Director of Vlasta-Consulting Vladimir Gennadievich Solomanidin took part in the XII regular general meeting of the OPORA Association, dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the creation of the Non-Commercial Partnership. As part of the meeting, the participants summed up the activities of the Presidium of the Board and the Board of the OPORA Association over the past year, and determined the priority areas of activity and the structure of the Association for the year 2021. One of the central issues of the meeting was the discussion of increasing the role of sectoral unions in the industry. Among the invited participants were the representatives of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia, the Federal Antimonopoly Service of Russia, the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation. In 2021, the OPORA Association celebrates the 20th anniversary of its development, remaining to this day the largest professional community of industry experts capable of defending the interests of small and medium-sized businesses in various sectors of the economy and types of activity.

On January 1, a legal provision aimed at combating the harmful effects of nicotine came into force in Russia. Now, more than one block of unmarked packs of cigarettes cannot be transported across the country, that is, without Russian excise stamps. There is no limit to the ingenuity of tobacco smugglers. Illegal cigarettes are imported into Russia in hiding places, under the dashboard and on fake invoices - even under the guise of oat bran. As soon as the cigarettes cross the border, it is more difficult to stop the smuggling further. Alexey Solomanidin, executive director of Vlasta-Consulting consulting company, stated: “Police officers, stopping a car full of illegal cigarettes, are told that they are intended for personal use, and under current law the officers cannot do anything, because either they need to escort the car to the warehouse and prove the fact of sale, or just let it go " The State Duma generally believes that many tobacco producers in the neighboring countries work specifically for the illegal market in Russia. Sergey Katasonov, deputy of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, stated: “In Belarus the excise tax is five times lower than that of Russia, but the capacities of their factories exceed the internal demand by 5 times. It is clear that they work for our market." On January 1, 2021, a law came into force limiting the transportation of more than 200 unmarked cigarettes across the country, that is, purchased abroad, in the same hands. The ban does not apply to legal cigarettes. Sergey Katasonov, deputy of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, stated: “To say that this will be a drastic change for Russians is wrong. It's just that now, when you come from Armenia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, you should keep in mind that there is a standard for the import of unmarked tobacco products. " The problem is that this is a law without implementation: there is a ban, but there is no punishment. However, the State Duma intends to fix this in a couple of months. The project in progress suggests a fine of up to 50 thousand rubles (675 USD). The police will issue the protocols. This will become the case when smoking is expensive not just figuratively, but quite literally.

It is common to find counterfeit on the shelves under the guise of imported cigarettes. Moreover, such an "elite" pack can cost an exorbitant price. But the cost can only be explained by the greed of the sellers, and the smoker risks paying twice. This illusion of saving money comes at the cost of one's own health. COVID-19 has also contributed to this problem, since the trade in low-grade tobacco now takes place via the Internet and courier delivery. Duplicates and fakes are openly traded on websites, often without making any attempt to hide it. Moscow Patrol, together with the employees of Vlasta-Consulting company, who specialize in detecting counterfeits, ordered tobacco products through an online store and analyzed the samples obtained. Konstantin Shestera, head of the anti-counterfeiting department of the consulting company Vlasta Consulting, made the following conclusion: “The quality of the purchased pack of cigarettes is very low, and the excise stamps do not have the necessary elements that should be displayed in ultraviolet light. Most likely, the same cigarettes were simply packaged in packages with different labels. All purchased products pose a direct threat to the consumer". According to experts, the share of illegal tobacco on the Russian market has grown 10 times over the past 4 years. Infringers make millions and avoid paying taxes. Now the State Duma is actively discussing a ban on the transportation of more than 10 packs of unlabeled cigarettes across Russia. This measure can be effective especially for limiting the illegal import of products from neighboring countries. Not everyone will complain about every illegal pack of cigarettes. Therefore, social activists, together with the police, as often as possible try to identify the points of sale of illegal goods. But these are examples of sporadic strikes against the tobacco mafia. An effective system for countering the production and distribution of illegal tobacco products that meets the latest challenges and trends can only be ensured by concentrated actions both in offline and online directions. Another important factor is raising awareness of the police both about the types of counterfeiting on the market and about the process of effective communication with representatives of rightsholders.

On March 14, 2018, in Krasnodar, together with the employees of Vlasta Consulting LLC, a large-scale raid was carried out on the illegal production of oil, resulting in the seizure of more than 2,900 liters of counterfeit products of various brands. Currently, the final stage of this case is underway - the destruction of the products. The process of destruction of seized products is one of the most important final stages of work, which ultimately excludes the possibility of returning confiscated counterfeit products to the market. Furthermore, it passes under our control as representatives of the copyright holders whose rights have been violated. The destruction of engine oils and the processing of plastic containers and barrels is carried out in compliance with environmental norms and standards. The liquid is drained into tanks and further used as heating fuel. Recycled barrels are converted into high-quality, safe, recycled raw materials or recycled scrap. Competent disposal of plastic canisters helps not only to preserve our nature, but also to reduce the cost of producing new products. This approach complies with international environmental and sanitary-epidemiological standards.

On October 29, 2020, within the framework of the ongoing interaction between Moscow law enforcement agencies and representatives of public organizations and right holders in Russia, on the base of the DIA in the Northern Administrative District for the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia in Moscow, employees of Vlasta-Consulting LLC conducted a training on countering the proliferation of counterfeit goods and unmarked tobacco products in the Russian Federation. The purpose of the meeting of the police officers and Vlasta-Consulting LLC was to intensify work in this direction. Vlasta Consulting’s representative provided police officers with statistics on counterfeit tobacco products detected in Russia. In addition, he highlighted the brands that are most often counterfeited. The participants of the meeting also drew their attention to the issue of recognizing and determining the authenticity of special and excise stamps. At the conclusion of the event, the employees of the Department of Economic Security and Corruption Counteraction asked the representatives of the company the questions they were interested in, and exchanged useful information with each other, expressing a desire for further cooperation.

The turnover of illegal cigarettes in Bryansk region is increasing every year and, according to statistics for 2019, it accounts for 48.8% of the market. This is mainly due to the proximity of borders with Belarus (200 km). Due to the proliferation of illegal products on the territory of the Russian Federation, the federal budget from all its subjects loses about one billion rubles (13 250 649 USD) each year. Despite the active work of the Ministry of Internal Affairs employees, infringers discover new ways to get around the law every year. Thus, countering the growth of the illegal cigarette market requires active measures. Within the program’s framework to combat illicit trade in tobacco products, Vlasta-Consulting regularly conducts trainings for police and customs officers. The main goal of the program is to assist law enforcement officers in the suppression of illegal tobacco trafficking in the Russian Federation. In July 2020, Vlasta Consulting company conducted a training for the employees of the regional department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for Bryansk. During the training, the operatives were trained on the signs and types of illegal cigarettes, and during the practical part of the training they visited sale points with dubious products. As a result, more than 300 units of illegal products were discovered and seized. Such events demonstrate the effectiveness of an integrated approach to interaction with law enforcement agencies. Trainings and seminars have already become a regular practice and are conducted by Vlasta Consulting in regions throughout Russia.

In Russia, violators in case of administrative punishment can face a fine of 10 thousand rubles, and only in case of criminal liability, the term of imprisonment can be up to 6 years. But the law enforcement practice is such that it is extremely difficult to get criminal punishment. Only in order to initiate a criminal case, the police need to prove that the damage was at least 250 thousand rubles and that the crime was committed intentionally, and even to identify all possible affiliates and parties If in Moscow the Department for Combating Economic Crimes still somehow copes with the load, then in the regions manufacturers and sellers of fakes can feel completely safe. The same seller can be caught multiple times in the same crime - and still pay the same small fines if he uses different legal entities. There are counterfeit products in all product groups. According to the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, half of the auto parts on the Russian market are fakes, and this is more than 700 billion rubles a year. The turnover of illegal tobacco, according to Vlasta-Consulting, is estimated at more than 100 billion rubles a year. The budgets of all levels are losing hundreds of billions of rubles. But the bigger problem is that these products are dangerous. Surrogate alcohol with methanol, counterfeit, dummy drugs, fake airbags, counterfeit cigarettes - all this takes the lives of thousands of people. Channels for counterfeiting to the Russian market are also not a secret. The common customs area of the Eurasian Union allows any volume of products from China to be imported to Russia through Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan almost without hindrance. According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the volume of unrecorded imports of clothing and footwear in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan exceeds $ 5 billion a year, which is many times higher than the demand in these countries. Digitalization of trade poses a serious risk of further growth of counterfeit products. In 2019, more than half a million online sources for the sale of counterfeits were closed. For example, it is extremely difficult to close public pages in social messengers due to the presence of many “reserve” groups. Counterfeit goods also end up on large marketplaces: the goods there are often sold not by the portal itself, but by some of the partners, and of course, the authenticity assessment is not carried out. There are a lot of videos on the Web about how to sell goods from the wholesale and retail markets on marketplaces. At the same time, marketplaces act only as an agent between the client and the supplier. It is very difficult to bring such platforms to justice at the moment due to the peculiarities of the current legislation. Law enforcement practice shows that the liberalization of the Criminal Code de facto deprived the police of the opportunity to fight counterfeit. And during the upcoming session of the State Duma, it is necessary to raise the issue of tightening it. Of course, we will not be ahead of China in the world ranking of leaders in counterfeit trafficking, but letting the situation take its course, the “honorable” second place for our country will remain for a long time.

Saint Petersburg police have suppressed illegal production of motor oils with logos of famous brands. This was reported by the press service of the main department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Two brothers were detained on suspicion of illegal use of trademarks: the director general of an organization that sells industrial chemicals, and the head of a warehouse at the same location. Underground warehouses and production facilities were located in St. Petersburg, Leningrad region and Sochi. More than 15 tons of motor oil, packaged in barrels and cans, were seized from the illegal trafficking. The police also found labels, seals, holographic stickers, containers and equipment for bottling and packaging products. A criminal case was initiated. The amount of damage exceeded 5.5 million rubles. Samples of the seized substances were sent for examination. All the circumstances of the case are currently being established.

The illegal production of counterfeit car bulbs was suppressed in one of the warehouses on Svoboda Street in the town of Krasnoe Selo. This was reported by the press service of the main department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation for St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region. In total, the police seized more than 180 thousand counterfeit automobile bulbs, as well as industrial equipment, various components and documentation from illegal circulation. According to preliminary estimates, the damage is estimated at more than 50 million rubles. Currently, distribution channels for counterfeit products are being determined. Eight people have been identified who may be involved in the illegal activities.

On December 5, 2019, the SCC and the Swedish Arbitration Association jointly organized a conference in Moscow, the purpose of which was to establish and expand ties between the Swedish and Russian legal communities by creating a platform for the open exchange of ideas and experience. Swedish law provides a neutral, predictable and cost effective framework for international trade. Swedish substantive law is still a preferred choice in international contracts involving Russian parties. Over the years, many Russian-related treaties have been governed by Swedish law, as a result of which many Russian lawyers have become familiar with Swedish law and also developed relationships with their Swedish colleagues.

The best detectives of Russia held a scientific-practical conference. The conference of the Association of Russian Detectives brought together detectives from Russia and other countries. They discussed professional issues, the law on the work of private detectives and awarded the nominees for the "Detective of the Year" competition. In St. Petersburg, on November 26, a conference of the Russian Detectives Association was held. Detectives came here from different parts of our country, as well as from Germany, Serbia, Hungary and other states. According to the words of the President of the Association, if it is necessary to collect information, there is always a place for a detective to work.

The Forum is an effective platform for public discussion of topical issues of intellectual property protection with the participation of representatives of state authorities, integration associations and the business community of the EAEU member states. This year the topics of discussion were strategies for promoting national brands in present times, prospects for commercializing intellectual property, law enforcement practices in the field of its protection, as well as conflicts of interest in this sphere in the context of international and national law.

On November 12-13, Yerevan (Republic of Armenia), with the support of the Government of the Republic of Armenia and the Eurasian Economic Commission, hosted the Seventh International Forum "Anti-Counterfeiting-2019". The Forum is an open platform for communication between representatives of international organizations, government bodies, business and the public on the most important issues of protecting intellectual property rights, as well as countering the illegal circulation of industrial and agricultural products within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). The program of the forum's events included a plenary session on the topic “Effective fight against counterfeit - increasing public health safety”, as well as thematic sections and round tables.

Police officers found a production of fake motor oil in Balashikha near Moscow, seizing about 5 tons of counterfeit goods. This was reported by the official representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation Irina Volk. "It was established that the facility was located on the territory of an industrial zone on the Ob’Yezdnoye Highway of the city of Balashikha. When police officers examined the premises, an automated line was found, as well as more than 1,000 five-liter canisters with ready-to-sell products with signs of counterfeiting. Plastic containers were of poor quality, protective elements were absent, which is unacceptable for the original product. In addition, empty containers, labels of various brands, seals and invoices were seized. As a result of the examination of samples of motor oils, it was found that they did not meet the requirements of the technical regulations." According to Irina Volk, the amount of losses incurred by only one of the companies exceeded 1.5 million rubles. A criminal case was initiated under article 180 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ("Illegal use of funds individualization of goods"), the organizers of illegal production and places of sale of counterfeit products are established.

One of the WABCO partners encountered an obvious defect. The audit began with a test purchase, and unfortunately for counterfeiters, the WABCO partner specializes in information and legal services. The fraudsters thought they acted sly. They made fake desiccants, but they screwed the original cartridge onto them. That is, the consumer had no doubts, if only there was more than one subtlety: the method of applying the WABCO logo to the casting. It is on these nuances that manufacturers of fakes usually stumble, along with knowing little about the policies that manufacturing firms are pursuing. So, for consumer protection in 2015, WABCO registered a trademark at the customs of the Russian Federation. And since then, no one, with the exception of a number of authorized companies, can import products into the territory of the Russian Federation. To help customers easily identify original spare parts, WABCO has developed new special packaging. Thanks to WABCO's distinctive PrioSpot® code and the ability to use a simple online tool to check a unique serial number, the consumer can always be sure that they are using an original WABCO product. At the same time, with the new range of budgetary ProVia parts, alternatives have been offered specifically designed for used vehicles. These measures made it possible in September 2018 to identify a large batch of counterfeit air dryer cartridges in the Volga Federal District. The lucrative business was suppressed with the police in November last year in the trade facility "Avtomag-NN" LLC in Nizhny Novgorod on Fuchik Street, 38. It turned out to be a rich catch: one and a half hundred filters, taps and dryer kits, 33 repair kits in cardboard boxes and plastic bags, ABS system modulators. All products were marked with the WABCO trademark. The total prevented damage amounted to almost 2 million rubles. ... On February 27, 2019, the lawyers of Vlasta-Consulting LLC, on behalf of WABCO, supported the demands of the police to bring violators to justice. The proceedings in the case of illegal use of means of individualization of goods ended on March 4, 2019. Avtomag-NN LLC was brought to administrative responsibility under Part 2 of Art. 14.10. "Illegal use of means of individualization of goods." The punishment was a fine of 100,000 rubles and the confiscation of all counterfeit products. The Arbitration Court decision of the Nizhny Novgorod Region was made in full on March 4, 2019. The entrepreneurs did not use the opportunity to appeal, which expired on March 19, 2019.

In the Moscow region, police closed a shop where illegal migrants were engaged in the manufacture of counterfeit motor oil under the guise of well-known brands. According to the head of the press service of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for the Moscow region, Tatyana Petrova, the workshop and warehouse with counterfeit products were located in the industrial zone in Elektrogorsk. The police found an automated line for filling and packaging motor oil, over 15 tons of petroleum products, over 6,000 packages of ready-to-sell products and labels of various brands. According to preliminary data, the copyright holders suffered about 8 million rubles of damage. For shop workers, 9 natives from neighboring countries who did not have a work permit and lived in unsanitary conditions, protocols were drawn up under Art. 18.8 and 18.10 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation. They will be deported from Russia.

"Employees of the Main Directorate of Economic Security and Anti-Corruption of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, together with colleagues from the Republic of Tatarstan, suppressed the activities of an organized group whose members set up the production and sale of counterfeit consumables for office equipment under the guise of products of world famous brands," said Irina Volk, a spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs. It was established that the illegal activity was carried out in a residential building in the Istra district of the Moscow region. Warehouses with finished products were located in the Moscow region, the Chuvash Republic, as well as in the republics of Mari El and Tatarstan. “When inspecting production and storage facilities, equipment was found and seized, including a machine for burning logos, holograms of well-known foreign manufacturers, packaging materials, more than 100,000 counterfeit cartridges, system units and financial documents. According to preliminary estimates, the copyright holders suffered damage of over 100 million rubles,” said Irina Volk. The main investigation department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in the Republic of Tatarstan has initiated criminal cases under parts 3 and 4 of article 159, part 3 of article 180 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. Ten active members of the group were detained. In regards to five of them, a preventive measure was taken in the form of detention, the rest are under recognizance not to leave and proper behavior. The measures aimed at establishing all the circumstances of illegal activity are underway.

Transportation police have stopped the sale of counterfeit motor oils under the trademarks of well-known world manufacturers, as reported by the East Siberian Linear Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia in transport. Counterfeit motor, hydraulic and transmission oils were supplied to Irkutsk by rail for subsequent sale in the Irkutsk Region and Buryatia. Transport police, together with SOBR of the Russian Guard in the Irkutsk region, conducted searches in the office and warehouse premises of commercial organizations in Irkutsk involved in the sale of counterfeit goods. About 3 tons of falsified engine oil prepared for bottling, over 100 canisters of finished products, counterfeit marking and printed products, as well as other items and documents of evidentiary value in a criminal case were found and seized. According to preliminary estimates, the copyright holders suffered damage in the amount of over 1 million rubles. Criminal cases were initiated under Article 159 (fraud) and Article 180 (illegal use of a trademark) of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. All accomplices of illegal activities are identified.

Employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, together with police officers from the Republic of Tatarstan, detained suspects in the production and sale of counterfeit motor oils under the brands of well-known world manufacturers. “On the territory of the cities of Moscow and Kazan, more than 30 searches were carried out in the office, industrial, warehouse premises, as well as in the places of residence of the intruders. More than 17 tons of engine oil were found and seized,” said Irina Volk, an official representative of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs. Documentation and other items of evidentiary value for a criminal case were also seized. The total amount of damage to copyright holders amounted to over 80 million rubles. A criminal case was initiated under Part 3 of Art. 180 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation; three detained defendants were released on recognizance not to leave.

"As part of the investigation of the criminal case opened under Part 3 of Article 180 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation on the fact of the illegal production of motor oils of various names, the police established the location of another premise in the village of Voznesenskoye, Nizhny Novgorod Region, where counterfeit products were stored," said the official representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia Irina Volk. Employees of the Department of Economic Security and Anti-Corruption of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for the Samara Region found and seized barrels and cubic containers with oil stored in the warehouse with a total volume of more than 55 thousand liters with applied trademarks of various manufacturers, empty barrels with labels and markings, lids, as well as financial - business documentation. As established by the police, the warehouse belongs to four residents of the Nizhny Novgorod region. As previously reported, in August 2017, police officers stopped the sale of counterfeit motor oils in the Samara region. It was established that illegal production of motor oils of various names was organized in the city of Togliatti. On suspicion of committing an illegal act, the police detained two local residents. Plastic cans, barrels of oil, conveyor belts, empty boxes and labels with trademarks of oil manufacturers were seized from the territory of two warehouses. Currently, the police are investigating the supply channels for counterfeit products.

Employees of the Main Directorate for Economic Security and Anti-Corruption of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia and for the Samara Region, with the forceful support of the special forces of the Russian Guard, suppressed the activities of an organized group suspected of illegally manufacturing on an industrial scale and selling counterfeit motor oils that do not meet the requirements of technical regulations, reported today Irina Volk, official representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia. It was established that the production and storage of counterfeit products was carried out in one of the hangars on the territory of an industrial zone in the outskirts of Togliatti. The finished products were sold under the brands of well-known world manufacturers in all regions of the country. In the production and warehouse premises of the illegal workshop, operational-search measures were carried out, during which plastic containers with a volume of 1000 m3 each were found, of which 120 were filled with counterfeit motor oil, about 300 metal 200-liter barrels with fuel, in a large number - labels of various manufacturers of motor oils, metal lids from barrels with brand names, devices for sealing and marking, the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation. Based on the results of the examination, the seized products were found to be inconsistent with the originals. On the basis of the collected materials of the Investigative Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for the city of Togliatti, Samara Region, a criminal case was initiated under Article 3 of Art. 180 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. According to preliminary data, the amount of damage caused to the copyright companies exceeds 1.5 million rubles.

Employees of the Department of Economic Security and Anti-Corruption of the Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for the city of Novosibirsk suppressed the activities of an illegal workshop that produced a coffee drink under a well-known brand, said the official representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia Irina Volk. The conveyor was equipped on the territory of one of the industrial zones of the regional center. Counterfeit products were sold in wholesale markets of the city and sent to neighboring regions. Discovered records of "black accounting" indicate that production volumes reached half a million sachets of the drink per month. The operation to detain the organizers and members of the organized group was carried out by the police and special forces of the Russian Guard at the same time of production and sale of counterfeit products.

In the SEAD, the police stopped the activities of the workshop for sewing and selling textiles with illegal use of the trademarks of famous brands of sportswear. This was announced by the official representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia Irina Volk. According to her statement, finished products were sold on the territory of trade and fair complexes. On this fact, a criminal case was initiated under Art. 180 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. Police officers seized about 9,000 copies of counterfeit textile products. The damage caused to the copyright holder is about 7 million rubles. The organizers of the illegal business were two newcomers from a neighboring country.

“Employees of the Main Directorate of Economic Security and Anti-Corruption of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, together with colleagues from the Directorate of Economic Security and Combating Corruption of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia in the Moscow Region, with the forceful support of the “Zubr” OMON, suppressed large-scale production of counterfeit light industry goods. It was established that the products, including items of children's clothing, were manufactured in the premises of a former cowshed located in the village of Lobanovo, Moscow Region. More than 50 immigrants from the countries of South-East Asia worked and lived at the sewing production in unsanitary conditions. No permits for conducting entrepreneurial activities, nor documents confirming the legality of the presence of migrants on the territory of the Russian Federation, were provided. In relation to labor migrants, a check is being carried out on the facts of violation of migration legislation.

Employees of the Department Of Economic Security And Counteraction CorruptioN of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia identified 8 workshops for sewing counterfeit clothes of well-known brands, in which illegal workers worked ", - said the official representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia Irina Volk. In Orekhovo-Zuev, near Moscow, 240 foreigners without registration were detained on the territory of an underground workshop. "Eight workshops for sewing counterfeit clothes of famous brands, in which illegal workers were working, have been identified." During the inspection of the premises, operatives found and seized more than two thousand items of clothing, including jackets, tracksuits and children's clothing. A criminal case was initiated under the article “Organization of illegal migration”. The seized products were sent for examination.

“During an inspection carried out by police, it was established that instant coffee with signs of falsification is being produced in the Dyatkovsky district of the Bryansk region,” said Irina Volk, an official representative of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs. The employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia in the Bryansk region, together with colleagues from the Federal Service of the National Guard of the Russian Federation, stopped the illegal activities of the enterprise. 4970 cans of ready-to-sell coffee, 25306 units of empty containers, lids, stickers, as well as an automated line for filling and packaging were withdrawn from illegal circulation. On this fact, an administrative offense case was initiated, and seized products were sent for examination within the framework. According to its results, a criminal case was initiated on the grounds of a crime under Art. 180 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. Measures are being taken to identify the organizers of the illegal production and to bring them to justice.

Police near Moscow in Zhukovsky closed an illegal production of household chemicals, which was disguised as a woodworking enterprise. Detergents, fabric softeners, shaving foam, and even razors were made from dubious ingredients in the undercover shop. The volumes of counterfeit products were calculated in tons. Dealers marked containers with labels from well-known manufacturers. The liquid, passed off as legal household chemicals, is now being investigated for contents in the laboratory. And the illegal production facility ceased its work. “When inspecting the premises, the police found production lines for bottling detergents and packaging of washing powders, as well as details for the manufacturing of over 10 thousand counterfeit units and about two thousand units of finished counterfeit products under the logos of well-known brands with signs of counterfeiting,” said Irina Volk, official representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia. The organizer of the illegal production has also been identified. An enterprising 45-year-old resident of Lyubertsy has now become a defendant in the criminal case. He faces a fine of up to 300 thousand rubles or imprisonment for up to two years. The police will have to find out where the accused managed to sell the counterfeit products.

Law enforcement agencies have discovered and closed the illegal production of motor oils in Moscow and Moscow region, according to the website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. According to preliminary estimates, the criminals' income was about 1 billion rubles a month. Motor oils that did not meet the requirements of technical regulations were produced on an industrial scale in the capital and in the Solnechnogorsk district of Moscow region. The workers were mostly immigrants from the countries of Central Asia. The finished products were sold under the brands of well-known world manufacturers in all regions of the country. Employees of the Anti-Corruption Department, with the support of riot policemen, conducted 16 searches in the premises of production, storage and sale of counterfeit goods, as well as in the offices and places of residence of the persons involved in the case. The raids uncovered 3 automated lines for bottling and packaging of motor oil, more than 70 tons of petroleum products, over 80 thousand packages of ready-to-sell products, large quantities of branded plastic containers and labels of various brands, as well as accounting documents and seals of more than 30 legal entities. The removal of the seized products took place over several weeks. On the basis of the collected materials against the members of the group, the Main Investigation Department of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for the Moscow Region opened a criminal case on the grounds of a crime under Part 3 of Art. 180 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation "Illegal use of means of individualization of goods, committed by an organized group."