Key Points
- Location & suspects: The case occurred in Kryvyi Rih, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast; two local residents are implicated.
- Modus operandi: Components such as nicotine, glycerin, and flavorings were portioned separately, mixed into finished e-liquid, and then boxed for sale.
- Seizures on site: More than five tons of e-liquid, pre-packed goods, production equipment, and packaging materials were confiscated.
- Legal characterization: Part 2 of Article 28 and Part 2 of Article 204 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code (illegal manufacture, storage, transportation, and sale of excisable goods by a group acting in prior conspiracy).
- Agencies involved: Operational support by the Dnipropetrovsk Directorate of the National Police’s Internal Security Department; procedural oversight by prosecutors from the Office of the Prosecutor General.
2Firsts, September 2, 2025 — The Bureau of Economic Security of Ukraine (BEB) reported that its Main Detective Unit recently uncovered a case involving the illegal production of excisable goods in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Investigators determined that two residents of Kryvyi Rih had set up an underground production line in the city to manufacture liquids used in electronic cigarettes.
According to the agency, the suspects portioned raw materials—including nicotine, glycerin, and aromatic additives—into separate containers, then mixed and repackaged them into finished e-liquid, which was boxed and sold. Law-enforcement officers conducted coordinated searches at locations used for illegal production and storage, seizing more than five tons of e-liquid, pre-packed products, equipment believed to be used in unlawful manufacturing, and large quantities of packaging materials.
BEB has notified the two organizers that they are suspected of criminal offenses under Part 2 of Article 28 and Part 2 of Article 204 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine—illegal manufacture, storage, transportation, and sale of excisable goods committed by a group upon prior conspiracy. Operational support was provided by the Dnipropetrovsk Directorate of the National Police’s Internal Security Department, with procedural oversight by prosecutors from the Office of the Prosecutor General. Follow-up inquiries will focus on financial flows, the sales network, and upstream/downstream supply chains to assess the scale of the operation and its potential market impact.
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
