Scandal over "Tripillia Sun": links to "May Ukraine" and suspicions of financing Russia

Rapid growth of a new market player

In April 2022, the company "Tripillia Sun" appeared on the market, quickly establishing itself in the private label segment. Under its umbrella operate the brands "Tripillia Sun", Sherlock Secrets, and Tea Moments.

Financial links and account seizures

It is known that "Tripillia Sun" operated using the accounts of the company "May Ukraine". Some of these accounts were seized due to suspicions of financing structures linked to Russia. In unblocked operations, only minimal payments were permitted: salary payments, tax payments, utility bills, and transfers of funds for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Change of owners and corrupt past

According to data from analytical platforms, the first founder of "Tripillia Sun" was Karlen Stepanyan through the Armenian firm "Kochari International". Later, Ukrainians Denys Gonzur and Yevhen Volvych joined the business structure.

Today, among the company's owners are two residents of Dnipro. These are former civil servant Oleksandr Stepanskyi, who is officially listed in the register of corrupt officials, and Dnipro City Council deputy Kamil Primakov. Both previously worked at the Dnipropetrovsk Regional State Administration. The situation appears contradictory: politicians from a city that regularly suffers attacks from Russia control a business with persistent links to a Russian past.

Copying of design and product composition

The external presentation of the goods also raises many questions. The packaging design of "Tripillia Sun" suspiciously resembles the products of "May Ukraine". Thus, the brand Richard became Sherlock, Curtis became Tea Moments, and the new "Tripillia" visually imitates "Mayskyi".

The product composition listed on the labels is practically identical. This may indicate that consumers are being sold the same goods, just in different packaging.

Financial reporting and court proceedings

The company's financial indicators are also a subject of discussion. In 2024, turnover exceeded 323 million UAH, yet the enterprise recorded losses of 24 million UAH. Such a discrepancy may indicate the siphoning of funds or manipulation of reporting. In 2025, the State Tax Service has already held the director administratively liable for violations of accounting rules.

In open court documents, the company appears at least 16 times. One of the court rulings explicitly states:

"The company uses the same production facilities and personnel as "May Ukraine"".

Despite these facts, the business continues to develop. The address of the production facilities (Obukhiv city) and the position of chief accountant have remained unchanged.

History of the "May" brand

Behind the "May" brand is Ihor Lisienko, who built his career in Moscow and held the position of a State Duma deputy from the "United Russia" party. In 1991, he founded the company "May", which produced tea and coffee under the trade marks Richard, Curtis, Mayskyi, Lisma, and Coffesso.