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

Moldova adopts new sanitary rules for tobacco products, e-cigarettes and related goods
Moldova adopts new sanitary rules for tobacco products, e-cigarettes and related goods
Moldova is introducing new sanitary standards for tobacco products, e-cigarettes and related goods, with regulations adopted on January 14 aimed at protecting public health and tightening control over tobacco sales. The rules include measures to limit minors’ access to tobacco products, including via online shops, and establish procedures for notifications, reporting and market monitoring.
Jan.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Australian police seize tobacco and vape products in roadside stop: goods valued at A$784,950
Australian police seize tobacco and vape products in roadside stop: goods valued at A$784,950
Australian police say that during a roadside inspection in southern New South Wales, they seized 293,200 cigarettes, 265kg of hard-pressed tobacco leaf and 2,290 vape products from a van bearing Victorian number plates, with an estimated street value of A$784,950.
Feb.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan Tobacco seeks retail price hike for Ploom tobacco sticks; EVO and others to rise by 30 yen per pack
Japan Tobacco seeks retail price hike for Ploom tobacco sticks; EVO and others to rise by 30 yen per pack
Japan Tobacco (JT) said it has applied to raise retail prices for its heated tobacco-related products from April 1, 2026, covering 37 variants of Ploom tobacco sticks and with capsules, with most increases at 20–30 yen per pack (about $0.13–$0.19).
Jan.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Ireland Vape Retailers’ Group RVI Calls for Tax Stamps to Strengthen Enforcement of Vape Products Tax
Ireland Vape Retailers’ Group RVI Calls for Tax Stamps to Strengthen Enforcement of Vape Products Tax
Responsible Vaping Ireland (RVI), an Irish vape retailers’ group, has released a policy paper urging Ireland to swiftly introduce Revenue-issued tax stamps on vaping products to strengthen enforcement of the E-Liquid Products Tax (EPT) and to tackle tax evasion and the illicit market. Provisional Department of Finance figures show €1.3 million collected in November and December 2025; at that pace, annualised receipts would be €7.8 million, below the government’s projected €17 million.
Feb.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMJ Expands SENTIA Tobacco Stick Lineup, Adds Blueberry Menthol Capsule Flavor
PMJ Expands SENTIA Tobacco Stick Lineup, Adds Blueberry Menthol Capsule Flavor
Philip Morris Japan (PMJ) announced that it will launch “SENTIA Purple Capsule,” the first capsule-equipped product in its SENTIA lineup dedicated to the heated tobacco “IQOS ILUMA” series, as an early release in Japan. The product will roll out nationwide starting from IQOS Stores, and will enter tobacco retail channels nationwide from April 6.
Mar.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Glasgow bin lorry fires spark calls to broaden vape and battery disposal messaging
Glasgow bin lorry fires spark calls to broaden vape and battery disposal messaging
Glasgow residents have been warned that throwing batteries and vapes away at home can endanger refuse workers, amid bin lorries catching fire. The city council said it will launch a communications campaign next month to tell people to place batteries in special bins at supermarkets or household waste recycling centres, supported by a dedicated web page listing other disposal sites.
Feb.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai