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

Product | SKE Launches Disposable V-BOT, Claiming U.S. Manufacturing and Domestic Blending & Filling
Product | SKE Launches Disposable V-BOT, Claiming U.S. Manufacturing and Domestic Blending & Filling
SKE has launched the V-BOT disposable e-cigarette. The company’s website highlights that the device is “Made in the USA,” with blending and filling also completed domestically. The V-BOT features dual power modes (Eco/Boost), an 800 mAh rechargeable battery, and is advertised as delivering up to 40,000 puffs.
Nov.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Elf Bar Parent iMiracle to Pull Flavored Vapes From California, Ending Altria Unit NJOY Lawsuit
Elf Bar Parent iMiracle to Pull Flavored Vapes From California, Ending Altria Unit NJOY Lawsuit
China’s e-cigarette maker iMiracle, parent company of the Elf Bar brand, has agreed to halt sales of all flavored vaping products in California as part of a settlement with Altria Group’s e-cigarette unit, NJOY LLC, marking the end of a nearly two-year legal dispute.
Oct.13
Thai Police Seize 48,000 Illegal E-Cigarettes Worth About $630,000
Thai Police Seize 48,000 Illegal E-Cigarettes Worth About $630,000
Acting on directives from senior government and police officials, Thai authorities seized 48,301 e-cigarettes and related products in central Thailand, valued at about 20 million baht (approximately US$630,000), as part of a crackdown on illegal vaping.
Oct.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Altria Q3 2025 Earnings Report: Net Revenue of $6.072 Billion and Launch of on!PLUS in the U.S.
Altria Q3 2025 Earnings Report: Net Revenue of $6.072 Billion and Launch of on!PLUS in the U.S.
Altria reported Q3 2025 net revenue of $6.072 billion, a 3.0% year-on-year decline. Adjusted EPS increased 3.6% to $1.45. The company expanded its share repurchase program to $2 billion and launched the on!PLUS nicotine pouch in Florida, North Carolina, and Texas.
Oct.31 by 2FIRSTS.ai
NZ Issues National High Alert on Etomidate-Laced Vapes After Hospitalisations
NZ Issues National High Alert on Etomidate-Laced Vapes After Hospitalisations
New Zealand’s High Alert drug harm monitoring system has issued a public High Alert warning after multiple hospitalisations linked to illicit vape pods containing the anaesthetic etomidate. Known on the street as space oil, k-pods, or eto, these vapes were first detected in January 2025. Customs has since seized additional samples, and clinics nationwide report rising cases of poisoning and hypoglycaemia.
Nov.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Baltimore Moves to Zone Smoke Shops, Set Minimum Distance From Schools
Baltimore Moves to Zone Smoke Shops, Set Minimum Distance From Schools
Baltimore’s City Council in Maryland, building on recently enacted restrictions on “small box” dollar-store chains, has proposed a package of regulations for tobacco and vape retailers. The measures would create a standalone land-use category for “smoke shops,” establish distance buffers from schools and parks, limit exterior signage brightness, and schedule an informational hearing.
Oct.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai