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

Malaysia’s Cabinet Agrees in Principle to Nationwide Vape Ban
Malaysia’s Cabinet Agrees in Principle to Nationwide Vape Ban
Malaysia is accelerating efforts toward a nationwide ban on vaping, with the Health Ministry aiming to finalise the policy by 2026. Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said the Cabinet has already agreed in principle to move toward a ban, stressing that the issue is no longer whether vaping will be banned, but when.
Dec.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | NEXA FLEX Releases “Built in the USA” Version, Says All Flavors Are Tailored for Adult U.S. Users
Product | NEXA FLEX Releases “Built in the USA” Version, Says All Flavors Are Tailored for Adult U.S. Users
NEXA has introduced a disposable e-cigarette, NEXA FLEX, which is promoted as “Built in the USA,” highlighting domestic production and flavors developed for adult U.S. vaping consumers. The device retains features such as a transparent e-liquid chamber, Normal/Turbo dual modes, and up to 40,000 puffs, and is scheduled to launch in late November in Texas. Other brands, including SKE and FASTA, have also recently released products labeled as “Made in the USA” or “U.S.-assembled.”
Nov.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
JTI Expands Albania Distribution Through Partnership with Nelt
JTI Expands Albania Distribution Through Partnership with Nelt
Serbian logistics company Nelt Group said it has become a distributor for Japan Tobacco International products in Albania. According to the company, the partnership has created 50 new jobs in the local market. Nelt described the move as part of a broader change to its business model in Albania. The group already cooperates with JTI in Bosnia and Herzegovina and expects its revenue to grow by 9% in 2025.
Dec.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
KT&G Nears ASF Acquisition, Preparing Wide Regional Nicotine Pouch Expansion
KT&G Nears ASF Acquisition, Preparing Wide Regional Nicotine Pouch Expansion
South Korean outlet nate reports that KT&G expects to finalize its acquisition of Nordic nicotine pouch maker ASF within this year. Beginning next year, the company plans to expand the business well beyond ASF’s current five Nordic markets to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and North America, supported by its cooperation framework with Altria.
Nov.25
UK government letter agrees nicotine pouches are lower risk than smoking and a harm reduction tool
UK government letter agrees nicotine pouches are lower risk than smoking and a harm reduction tool
In correspondence with 20isPlenty campaigners, the government agreed nicotine pouches are likely to pose lower health risks than smoking and confirmed they are a harm reduction tool, while warning about their high nicotine content, fast absorption and potential to be flavoured.
Jan.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Alan Zhao: China’s High-Level Crackdown on Illicit Tobacco and Vaping Will Reshape the Global Market
Alan Zhao: China’s High-Level Crackdown on Illicit Tobacco and Vaping Will Reshape the Global Market
Alan Zhao wrote an article interpreting China's highest-level law enforcement action against illegal tobacco and e-cigarettes. He believes that this is not only an upgrade of domestic governance but will also have a profound impact on the global new tobacco supply chain and market pattern.
Dec.19 by 2Firsts Perspectives