Crime ring busted for selling counterfeit e-cigarettes in Ukraine

Aug.29.2024
Crime ring busted for selling counterfeit e-cigarettes in Ukraine
A criminal gang selling counterfeit e-cigarettes worth over $120,000 was busted in Lviv, Ukraine, by the Security Bureau.

According to a report by UNN on August 27, a criminal group suspected of selling counterfeit e-cigarettes was recently busted in the Lviv region of Ukraine.


The Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine (Bureau of Economic Security, BES) seized counterfeit e-cigarettes worth over 5 million hryvnias (approximately 120,000 USD) in a raid operation.


According to reports, the group was selling e-cigarettes without proper consumer tax labels, or using counterfeit tax labels, and did not have the necessary tobacco product wholesale or retail licenses. These illegal sales points were widespread in Lviv and its surrounding areas.


According to reports, law enforcement officers seized over 8000 polymer containers filled with e-cigarette liquid, as well as other related items such as packaging barrels, labels, ledgers, and computer equipment. The Economic Security Bureau stated that the counterfeit goods seized have a total value exceeding 5 million grivnas (approximately $120,000).


In addition, Alexander Rubin, director of the Kyiv Research Institute, pointed out that with the increasing popularity of e-cigarettes and electronic heated tobacco products, the institute's research on related products is becoming more frequent.


Since the beginning of this year, the research institute has been continuously receiving tasks to study classic tobacco products, electronic heated tobacco products (TVEN), and e-cigarette e-liquids. Each research task includes 150 to 200 samples, each of which requires detailed inspection and analysis. Recently, the popularity of e-cigarettes and their associated risks have even surpassed traditional cigarettes. This has presented us with new challenges and tasks.


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

Special Report | Anti-Vaping Campaign in the Baltics Goes Sideways
Special Report | Anti-Vaping Campaign in the Baltics Goes Sideways
2Firsts analyzes vaping regulations across the Baltic states. Following Latvia’s flavor ban, tax revenues fell and the black market expanded, while similar measures in Estonia and Lithuania have also failed to deliver results. The region’s anti-vaping policies are now triggering market imbalance and policy reassessment.
Oct.13
Russian Police Seize Over 150,000 Counterfeit E-Cigarettes Worth More Than USD 1.65 Million
Russian Police Seize Over 150,000 Counterfeit E-Cigarettes Worth More Than USD 1.65 Million
Russian police in Tambov have detained a man for storing and selling unmarked e-cigarettes. Over 150,000 counterfeit e-cigarettes, cartridges, and e-liquids were seized, valued at more than 126.5 million rubles (approximately USD 1.65 million). Tests revealed that the nicotine content of the seized products exceeded the levels stated on their packaging. A criminal case has been opened under Article 171.1, Part 6 of the Russian Criminal Code.
Dec.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Smoking Rate Drops to 17.9%, Vaping Rate Climbs to 9.3% in South Korea
Smoking Rate Drops to 17.9%, Vaping Rate Climbs to 9.3% in South Korea
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) released its 2025 Community Health Survey results covering more than 230,000 adults. Traditional cigarette smoking dropped to 17.9%, down 1 percentage point from last year, while e-cigarette use increased to 9.3%, up 0.6 points. Overall tobacco product use stood at 22.1%, a slight decline from 2024 but still 0.5 points higher than 2019.
Dec.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | LOST MARY launches X-LINK series on its Russian website: near-identical to ELFBAR JOINOne, plus two new adjustable pods
Product | LOST MARY launches X-LINK series on its Russian website: near-identical to ELFBAR JOINOne, plus two new adjustable pods
LOST MARY has officially launched the X-LINK e-cigarette series on its Russian website. The lineup closely mirrors ELFBAR’s JOINOne in architecture and features, and adds two new adjustable pods—one for sweetness control and one for nicotine strength—expanding the compatible pod types to four (cooling/ice, classic, sweetness-adjustable, and nicotine-adjustable).
Dec.01 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Over 179,000 E-Cigarettes Destroyed in Samut Prakan as Thai Government Tightens Enforcement
Over 179,000 E-Cigarettes Destroyed in Samut Prakan as Thai Government Tightens Enforcement
Thailand’s Office of the Prime Minister, led by Minister Santi Piyatat, has destroyed nearly 179,000 confiscated e-cigarettes and accessories worth 33 million baht (approx. USD 1,020,000) as part of the government’s ongoing campaign for a “Vape-Free Thai Society.”Officials said the action demonstrates Thailand’s strict enforcement of anti-vaping laws and its commitment to protecting youth and public health.
Nov.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russia Plans to Allow Regional Vape Sales Bans from September 2026
Russia Plans to Allow Regional Vape Sales Bans from September 2026
Russia’s Ministry of Finance (Минфин) has drafted amendments to an existing licensing bill that would grant regional authorities the power to ban retail sales of vapes and nicotine liquids from September 1, 2026, to September 1, 2031, RBC reported. Stores violating the ban would lose their tobacco retail licenses.
Nov.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai