Fake Document Operations Uncovered in Western Ukraine
A criminal case has been sent to court in Bukovyna involving three individuals accused of producing and selling counterfeit driver’s licenses and vehicle registration certificates, with each fake document priced as high as 350 euros. Investigators from the Bureau of Economic Security determined that the suspects operated through two separate, independent groups. These groups illegally purchased, stored, and distributed holographic security elements used to manufacture the forged documents.
How the Counterfeit Network Worked
Orders for fake documents were placed through social media platforms, where clients submitted personal photos and details. Completed forgeries were either handed over in person or shipped via the Nova Poshta delivery service. The range of counterfeit documents included:
- driver’s licenses;
- vehicle registration certificates;
- international qualification cards for drivers of large commercial vehicles.
Each document cost up to 350 euros, highlighting the substantial profits generated by this illegal operation.
During searches, detectives seized forged documents, blank forms, holographic elements, computer equipment, and cash. Forensic experts confirmed that the confiscated blank documents did not match official government-issued templates. All three suspects have been notified of suspicion under Article 199, Part 2, and Article 358, Part 3 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. These charges carry penalties of up to 10 years in prison.
Indictments have already been submitted to the court. Operational support for the case was provided by the Chernivtsi Department of the National Police’s Internal Security Directorate, while procedural oversight came from the Chernivtsi Regional Prosecutor’s Office. This is not the first instance of illegal document forgery in Ukraine. In March 2026, Kyiv police uncovered a network of call centers selling counterfeit driver’s licenses from European Union countries. Fake Latvian licenses were sold for 1,500 euros each, and suspects are believed to have earned at least 400,000 euros from the scheme.
A court in Lviv also sentenced a military serviceman who purchased a forged driver’s license via Facebook. The buyer provided personal data to the seller and received the document through Nova Poshta. The court imposed a fine of 850 hryvnias. Under Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court verdict.
This case highlights a broader issue of document forgery in Ukraine, which has raised concerns among law enforcement agencies. The rise of illegal groups specializing in fake documents underscores the need for stricter oversight and greater public awareness of the risks tied to purchasing forgeries.
It is important to note that authorities are actively responding to these crimes, but combating them requires a comprehensive approach and cooperation between various state institutions.
As law enforcement continues to crack down on fraudulent activities, a similar case is unfolding in Kyiv, where authorities are addressing a $5,000 scheme involving fake medical exemptions. This highlights the growing issue of counterfeit documents in Ukraine, raising concerns about the broader implications for public safety and legal integrity. For more details on this ongoing investigation, read about the Kyiv court's handling of the medical exemption scheme.