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

Canada’s Federal Vape Flavor Restrictions Remain Unclear Five Years After Announcement
Canada’s Federal Vape Flavor Restrictions Remain Unclear Five Years After Announcement
Five years after Canada’s federal government announced plans to restrict vaping flavors nationwide, Health Minister Marjorie Michel has not said when or whether the measure will still proceed. In 2021, Health Canada said it planned to limit vaping flavors nationwide to mint, menthol and tobacco, citing evidence that fruity and sweet flavors appeal to youth.
May.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
How AI Is Rewriting the Talent Playbook for the Nicotine Industry: JTI’s Case
How AI Is Rewriting the Talent Playbook for the Nicotine Industry: JTI’s Case
AI is moving from a back-office tool to a core organizational capability in the nicotine industry. Based on JTI’s responses, this 2Firsts feature examines how AI is reshaping talent strategy, internal mobility, decision-making and human accountability as global tobacco companies compete in the shift toward new nicotine categories.
Jun.17
South Korea Rejects 16 Trillion Won Tax-Evasion Claim Over Chinese Synthetic Nicotine
South Korea Rejects 16 Trillion Won Tax-Evasion Claim Over Chinese Synthetic Nicotine
The South Korean government rejected allegations that Chinese synthetic-nicotine e-liquids were linked to about 16 trillion won in tobacco tax evasion, saying China does not ban synthetic nicotine exports and the estimate is difficult to verify, while acknowledging that pre-law synthetic-nicotine inventory is effectively difficult to tax.
Market
Jun.25
Reuters: Big Tobacco Emerges as Winner After FDA Regulatory Shift
Reuters: Big Tobacco Emerges as Winner After FDA Regulatory Shift
According to Reuters, major tobacco companies may emerge as key beneficiaries after the U.S. FDA loosened regulations on vaping and nicotine pouch products, a shift that has sparked debate over public health risks.
Industry Insight
May.26
Malaysia Police Plan Saliva Tests at Roadblocks to Detect Synthetic Drugs Mixed Into Vape Liquids
Malaysia Police Plan Saliva Tests at Roadblocks to Detect Synthetic Drugs Mixed Into Vape Liquids
Malaysian police plan to use saliva test kits at roadblocks to detect drivers using synthetic liquid drugs marketed as “Piu Piu” and “Magic Mushroom,” substances that authorities say are mixed into vape liquids and inhaled through e-cigarette devices, raising road-safety concerns and adding pressure on vape regulation.
Jun.29
Imperial Brands Explains What the UK Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 Means for Retailers
Imperial Brands Explains What the UK Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 Means for Retailers
Imperial Brands has outlined what the newly approved UK Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 means for retailers. The legislation received Royal Assent on April 29, 2026, and gives the Government powers to extend tobacco-style regulation to a wider range of products, including vaping products, heated tobacco, nicotine pouches and cigarette papers. Imperial Brands emphasized that most measures will be introduced in phases rather than taking effect immediately.
May.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai