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

Nicotine Pouch Brand VELO and McLaren Unveil Special Livery for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Nicotine Pouch Brand VELO and McLaren Unveil Special Livery for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
According to PRNewswire, VELO and the McLaren Formula 1 Team have unveiled a special livery for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, co-created by nine superfans from around the world. The design forms the highlight of the “Live Your Fandom” campaign, reflecting memorable fan stories and celebrating the global McLaren community.
Dec.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Single-Use Vape Ban Bill Sparks Debate in Irish Parliament
Single-Use Vape Ban Bill Sparks Debate in Irish Parliament
A bill seeking to ban the sale of single-use vapes has been introduced to Ireland’s Dáil, with lawmakers citing environmental damage and rising concerns over youth health. Industry representatives have urged full scrutiny of the bill, warning of enforcement challenges and potential loopholes.
Dec.18 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Comedian Shuib fined  US$2,460 after pleading guilty to promoting an e-cigarette on a podcast
Comedian Shuib fined US$2,460 after pleading guilty to promoting an e-cigarette on a podcast
Bernama reported that comedian Shahmira Muhamad, better known as Shuib Sepahtu, was fined RM10,000 (about US$2,460.93) after pleading guilty to promoting an electronic cigarette product on a YouTube podcast in 2024. The magistrate ordered one month’s jail in default of payment, and he paid the fine. He was charged over a promotion at 4.26pm on Oct 22, 2024, under Section 9(1) of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852).
Jan.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai
EUIPO Rejects Imiracle’s Opposition to ‘Crystal’ Trademark, Citing Lack of Proof of Actual Use in Slovakia
EUIPO Rejects Imiracle’s Opposition to ‘Crystal’ Trademark, Citing Lack of Proof of Actual Use in Slovakia
The EUIPO has ruled that Imiracle failed to demonstrate actual commercial use of its “Elfbar Crystal” brand in Slovakia, and therefore rejected in full the company’s opposition to Shenzhen SKE Technology’s application to register the “Crystal” trademark. The EUIPO noted that the sales records submitted by Imiracle were limited in scope and that the product packaging was in Ukrainian, which it found insufficient to prove that the products had been placed on the Slovak market.
Dec.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
South Korea’s Tobacco Law Amendment to Include Synthetic Nicotine, Projected to Add Up to $340 Million in Local Tax Revenue
South Korea’s Tobacco Law Amendment to Include Synthetic Nicotine, Projected to Add Up to $340 Million in Local Tax Revenue
Following the National Assembly’s approval of amendments to the Tobacco Business Act on September 22, redefining tobacco to include synthetic nicotine, the Korea Institute of Local Finance (KILF) estimates that local governments could gain between $37 million and $340 million in additional tax revenue in 2025 from tobacco consumption and local education taxes.
Nov.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Rosstandart: packaging and design requirements for vapes to be tightened in early 2026
Rosstandart: packaging and design requirements for vapes to be tightened in early 2026
Rosstandart head Anton Shalaev told TASS that Russia will tighten requirements for the packaging and design of vapes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems in early 2026.
Jan.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai