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

2Firsts Research | ZYN Launches Limited-Edition Coffee Flavours and Can Engraving Service at Stockholm Arlanda Airport
2Firsts Research | ZYN Launches Limited-Edition Coffee Flavours and Can Engraving Service at Stockholm Arlanda Airport
2Firsts observed that ZYN has introduced limited-edition coffee flavours and an on-site can engraving service in the duty-free zone at Stockholm Arlanda Airport, alongside the rollout of its upgraded packaging and independent core-shelf displays, forming a complete product presentation and consumer experience system.
Nov.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai
The Spark of Reason| 2Firsts 2026 New Year Message
The Spark of Reason| 2Firsts 2026 New Year Message
Looking ahead to 2026, we do so with genuine anticipation. This will be a milestone year—the dawn of a new era.
Jan.01
FDA Rolls Out Online PMTA Platform, a Move That 2Firsts Analysts Say Could Pull Grey-Market Products Toward Formal Compliance
FDA Rolls Out Online PMTA Platform, a Move That 2Firsts Analysts Say Could Pull Grey-Market Products Toward Formal Compliance
FDA’s launch of a web-based PMTA system signals faster reviews and, 2Firsts experts say, a possible inflection point for the U.S. e-cigarette market’s shift out of the grey zone.
Dec.04
Tennessee Cracks Down on Vaping: 10 % Tax Hike, Expanded Enforcement Powers, Mandatory ID Checks at Every Retail Counter
Tennessee Cracks Down on Vaping: 10 % Tax Hike, Expanded Enforcement Powers, Mandatory ID Checks at Every Retail Counter
New Tennessee laws passed this year impose a 10 % tax on vaping products, empower the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) to conduct compliance inspections, and set steep fines for retailers who sell to minors. Yet, with no statewide retail-licensing scheme for e-cigarettes, enforcing the penalties remains problematic. Meanwhile, stores in cities like Jackson have voluntarily stepped up ID scanning and product tracking to help the rules take hold.
Dec.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Arizona e-cigarette shops ordered to pay $460,000 for selling tobacco and nicotine products to minors
Arizona e-cigarette shops ordered to pay $460,000 for selling tobacco and nicotine products to minors
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced Pro Source Supply LLC, Pro Source Vapes LLC, Pro Source CBD LLC, and owner Timothy Kell must pay $460,000 in restitution tied to a lawsuit filed last year alleging illegal sales of tobacco and nicotine products to underage buyers.
Jan.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Organigram Global Appoints Former BAT Global Head of Strategy James Yamanaka as Chief Executive Officer
Organigram Global Appoints Former BAT Global Head of Strategy James Yamanaka as Chief Executive Officer
Organigram Global has named James Yamanaka, previously Global Head of Strategy at British American Tobacco (BTI), as its new CEO. His appointment is expected to take effect around January 15, 2026, and he will also join the company’s board. Yamanaka brings more than 20 years of strategic and managerial experience from roles across Europe and Asia at BTI.
Nov.26