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

FDA Adds 18 Tobacco Harmful Constituents and Seeks Comment on 3 More
FDA Adds 18 Tobacco Harmful Constituents and Seeks Comment on 3 More
U.S. Food and Drug Administration published a Federal Register notice finalizing the addition of 18 constituents to the established list of Harmful and Potentially Harmful Constituents in tobacco products. With the update, the list now contains 111 constituents. FDA also proposed adding three more constituents to the list and opened a public comment period ending at 11:59 p.m. ET on May 26, 2026.
Apr.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Altria Reports Q1 2026 Net Revenues of $5.43 Billion and 7.3% Growth in Adjusted Diluted EPS
Altria Reports Q1 2026 Net Revenues of $5.43 Billion and 7.3% Growth in Adjusted Diluted EPS
Altria Group reported its first-quarter 2026 results on April 30. Net revenues were $5.43 billion, up 3.2% year on year, while revenues net of excise taxes were $4.76 billion, up 5.3%. Reported diluted EPS was $1.30, up more than 100%, and adjusted diluted EPS was $1.32, up 7.3%.
May.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK Retailers Call on Government to Better Resource Trading Standards to Fight Illicit Tobacco and Vape Trade
UK Retailers Call on Government to Better Resource Trading Standards to Fight Illicit Tobacco and Vape Trade
Retailers in the UK have called on the government to provide greater resources to Trading Standards in response to the growing trade in illicit tobacco and vapes. Fed national vice-president Hemanshu Patel made the call during a panel discussion at the National Convenience Show in Birmingham on April 15.
Apr.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
FDA Posts Environmental Assessment for Nicotine Pouches, May Influence Future PMTA Reviews
FDA Posts Environmental Assessment for Nicotine Pouches, May Influence Future PMTA Reviews
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a programmatic environmental assessment covering nicotine pouches and other oral nicotine products, concluding that their overall environmental impact is generally minimal.
Regulations
May.22
Nicotine Beyond Tobacco? Cell Study Signals Emerging Shift in Production Systems
Nicotine Beyond Tobacco? Cell Study Signals Emerging Shift in Production Systems
Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences reconstructed nicotine biosynthesis in non-tobacco plants and yeast systems, highlighting how advances in synthetic biology could gradually reshape future nicotine production technologies and challenge regulatory frameworks built around tobacco-derived definitions.
Special Report
May.07
Portugal and Other Countries Submit Objections in Brussels Over UK Smoke-Free Generation Bill
Portugal and Other Countries Submit Objections in Brussels Over UK Smoke-Free Generation Bill
Portugal is among the countries opposing the UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which would ban tobacco sales to people born on or after Jan. 1, 2009. According to the report, Portugal, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia and Romania have submitted reasoned opinions and formal observations to Brussels, arguing that the bill breaches post-Brexit arrangements including the Windsor Framework.
Apr.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai