In an effort to combat illegal gasoline trading, Ukraine's Economic Security Bureau has introduced StopShadowBot, an online chat bot that allows anyone—be it the general public, businesspersons, or journalists—to provide information about unlawful activities in the fuel sector. This initiative marks a significant step by the agency to engage the community in identifying and reporting illegal gas stations, with intentions to create a more transparent marketplace and curb the operations of tax dodgers.

Oleksandr Tsyvinsky, the head of the bureau, emphasized the importance of community involvement in this initiative, stating that public tips will serve as crucial leads for investigations into suspected illegal gas operations. The Economic Security Bureau has made it clear that the launch of this bot is just one of many efforts aimed at dismantling Ukraine's extensive shadow economy, which has become increasingly vital as the country faces economic challenges. Tsyvinsky's leadership, since assuming his position in August 2025, has focused on reforming the bureau's approach to economic crimes, leveraging technology to enhance their detection capabilities.

As Ukraine grapples with a significant economic downturn, the online bot not only provides a channel for citizen engagement but also serves as a critical tool in the ongoing efforts to boost the country's revenues by addressing illegal trading practices. The initiative reflects a broader commitment to regulatory enforcement and fiscal responsibility at a time when every dollar counts for the state. It remains to be seen how effective this measure will be, but the move suggests a pro-active stance from Ukrainian authorities in their bid to maintain integrity within the fuel market.