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

Australia’s TGA Seizes Illicit Vaping Products Worth Over  US$670,000 in Bendigo
Australia’s TGA Seizes Illicit Vaping Products Worth Over US$670,000 in Bendigo
Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has seized illicit vaping products with an estimated street value exceeding A$1 million (approximately US$670,000) following an enforcement operation in Bendigo, Victoria.
Dec.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Thailand Seizes Over 42,000 Illegal Vapes Worth USD 340,000
Thailand Seizes Over 42,000 Illegal Vapes Worth USD 340,000
Thai authorities announced the seizure of more than 42,000 smuggled vapes worth approximately THB 10.87 million (USD 340,000).
Dec.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russian State Duma Passes Ban on Tobacco and Vape Sales at Public Transport Stops
Russian State Duma Passes Ban on Tobacco and Vape Sales at Public Transport Stops
Russia’s State Duma has approved, in its third reading, a law banning the sale of cigarettes and electronic cigarettes at public transport stops. The measure expands existing restrictions on tobacco sales at transport infrastructure facilities and aims to reduce accessibility, particularly among young people. The law includes an exemption for small settlements where such kiosks are the only sales points and will take effect on September 1, 2026.
Dec.18 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | UWELL Launches CALIBURN BAR 80K Disposable Vape, Rated for 80,000 Puffs with 6 Power Levels and 3 Airflow Settings
Product | UWELL Launches CALIBURN BAR 80K Disposable Vape, Rated for 80,000 Puffs with 6 Power Levels and 3 Airflow Settings
UWELL has launched the CALIBURN BAR 80K disposable vape on its official website. The device features a staggering 80,000-puff count and a 20 mg/ml nicotine concentration. It offers two output modes (NORMAL and BOOST) with six adjustable power levels ranging from 18W to 35W, complemented by a 3-level airflow adjustment system.
Jan.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Mexican Senate Approves Nationwide Ban on E-Cigarettes and Vapes
Mexican Senate Approves Nationwide Ban on E-Cigarettes and Vapes
Mexico’s Senate passed a reform to the General Health Law banning the production, importation, sale, and advertising of e-cigarettes and vape products nationwide. The bill passed with 76 votes in favor, 37 against, and one abstention.
Dec.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Interview | Bengt Wiberg: Why the Oral Health Risks of Nicotine Pouches Merit Further Study
2Firsts Interview | Bengt Wiberg: Why the Oral Health Risks of Nicotine Pouches Merit Further Study
As nicotine pouches gain global traction as a lower-risk alternative to smoking, questions are emerging about their potential oral health effects. In a 2Firsts interview, Stingfree AB founder Bengt Wiberg discusses why gum irritation and oral lesions warrant closer scrutiny within the broader framework of tobacco harm reduction.
Jan.06