Kazakhstan busts massive fake vodka ring producing 12,000 counterfeit bottles

Kazakhstan busts massive fake vodka ring producing 12,000 counterfeit bottles

Black and white engraving of a factory with smoke-emitting chimneys, surrounded by trees, plants, and people, labeled "New York State Penitentiary" at the bottom.

Kazakhstan busts massive fake vodka ring producing 12,000 counterfeit bottles

Authorities in Abai Region have shut down an illegal alcohol production operation, Liter.kz reports, citing the Financial Monitoring Agency.

According to the agency, a resident of Semey had set up an unlicensed underground workshop. The facility, operating out of garages and other premises, produced counterfeit spirits by diluting alcohol with water and bottling the mixture in glass containers under the guise of well-known brands.

To lend the products an air of legitimacy, the operation used forged excise stamps.

"During raids, investigators seized over 12,000 bottles of counterfeit alcohol labeled as Finnish Ice and Siberian Frost, more than 8,000 empty bottles, around 10,000 liters of alcohol-based liquid, and production equipment. A court has ordered the seizure of the private home housing the workshop, as well as three vehicles used to transport the goods. The suspect has been placed under travel restrictions while the investigation continues," the agency stated.

The Financial Monitoring Agency warns that consuming counterfeit alcohol poses a serious risk to health and life.

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