Bureau Successful in Busting Large-scale Illegal E-cigarette Operation

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Dec.08.2023
Bureau Successful in Busting Large-scale Illegal E-cigarette Operation
Ukrainian authorities seize a large quantity of unmarked e-cigarette products worth 40 million hryvnias ($1.09 million) in multiple raids.

According to a report by Ukrainian media outlet Korrespondent, the Ukrainian Economic Security Bureau (Bureau of Economic Security, BES) has successfully seized a large quantity of unmarked consumer goods, including e-cigarette products worth 40 million hryvnias (approximately 7.8 million Chinese yuan).

Bureau Successful in Busting Large-scale Illegal E-cigarette Operation
Product seized | Image source: БЭБ

 

Investigation findings have revealed that a group of individuals in multiple regions of western Ukraine have been engaging in the illegal sale of e-cigarette liquids, e-cigarettes, and associated components produced by them. Detectives have conducted over 20 simultaneous searches, resulting in the seizure of more than 20,000 illicitly manufactured e-cigarettes, a substantial quantity of e-liquid for refilling, kits for mixing e-liquid, flavorings, and ink cartridges for mixing tobacco, with a total estimated value exceeding 40 million Ukrainian Hryvnias (equivalent to approximately 1.09 million US dollars).

 

Previously, БЭБ exposed a plan of illegal manufacturing and selling of industrial alcohol in the Kyiv region.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

South Korean Court Strikes Down Health Levy on Vape Nicotine Liquids, Citing Disproportionate Penalties
South Korean Court Strikes Down Health Levy on Vape Nicotine Liquids, Citing Disproportionate Penalties
A Seoul court has annulled South Korea’s health-levy assessments imposed on multiple importers of nicotine liquids used for vaping. While the court agreed the nicotine could be treated as “tobacco” because it was found to be leaf-derived, it ruled the levy—stacked with other taxes and calculated on a blunt, volume-only basis—was so severe it effectively deprived businesses of the ability to operate, breaching constitutional proportionality and equality standards.
Jan.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Kazakhstan: Over 131,000 vapes seized in Almaty and Pavlodar case; about $1.422 million cited
Kazakhstan: Over 131,000 vapes seized in Almaty and Pavlodar case; about $1.422 million cited
Kazakhstan’s financial monitoring authorities said a group is suspected of illicitly distributing vaping devices in Almaty and Pavlodar Region, using Telegram as a sales channel with courier delivery. During searches, investigators seized more than 131,000 vapes valued at 711 million tenge (about $1.422 million, using 1 tenge = $0.0020).
Mar.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
U.S. Fifth Circuit judges question FDA’s claim it has no de facto ban on flavored refillable e-cigarettes
U.S. Fifth Circuit judges question FDA’s claim it has no de facto ban on flavored refillable e-cigarettes
Law360 reports that a Fifth Circuit panel expressed skepticism about the FDA’s claim that it has no de facto ban on flavored refillable e-cigarette products, noting that only six applications had been approved out of hundreds of thousands and that near-100% denials look like a ban.
Jan.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
JTI reshuffles regional leadership; Gabriella Offeddu to lead Romania, Moldova and Bulgaria
JTI reshuffles regional leadership; Gabriella Offeddu to lead Romania, Moldova and Bulgaria
Japan Tobacco International (JTI) has appointed Gabriella Offeddu as general manager for Romania, Moldova and Bulgaria, effective January 2026.
Jan.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BAT says a U.S. import block on some disposable vapes could cut illegal sales by about a third
BAT says a U.S. import block on some disposable vapes could cut illegal sales by about a third
Reuters reported that British American Tobacco (BAT) CEO Tadeu Marroco said a potential U.S. move to block imports of some disposable vapes could reduce the market for unregulated e-cigarettes by as much as a third, though any impact is unlikely before 2027.
Feb.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
IQOS UK unveils 2026 pop-up events plan, first stops set for London and three other cities
IQOS UK unveils 2026 pop-up events plan, first stops set for London and three other cities
IQOS’ UK website shows the company will roll out time-limited pop-up experience spaces across Britain in 2026 for adult consumers. The first confirmed locations are London, the West Midlands area near Birmingham, Manchester and Romford, offering product demonstrations, pop-up-only promotions and nicotine pouch sampling. Entry will be restricted to those aged 18 and over, with “Challenge 25” ID checks in place.
Feb.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai