Italian E-Cigarette Dealer Faces Tax Evasion Accusations in Bari City

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Nov.22.2023
Italian E-Cigarette Dealer Faces Tax Evasion Accusations in Bari City
An e-cigarette dealer in the city of Biella, Italy, is accused of evading €3.4 million in taxes.

According to an Italian e-cigarette independent press, sigmagazine, a distributor of e-cigarettes in the city of Biella, Italy, is facing accusations of evading taxes amounting to 3.4 million euros. Regulatory authorities have seized 1.2 million euros from the accused individual.

 

The dealer primarily engages in the e-cigarette and e-liquid business. Investigations have shown that the dealer evades taxes in Italy by establishing company structures in other European countries to mimic purchasing and selling products abroad. It is important to note that these operations actually take place within Italy, through online sales and physical stores in Biella, Cossato, Santhià (Samo), and Ivrea (Turin).

 

Investigators have pointed out that the dealer used a unique method to conceal sales proceeds. He requested customers to provide prepaid cards under his name. When customers needed to make purchases, they simply placed orders and topped up the prepaid cards owned by the seller. The seller would then extract the funds and deliver the ordered products. This practice resulted in a hidden taxable base of over €4 million, evading a total of €3.4 million in value-added tax and consumption tax.

 

According to sources, Italian law enforcement agencies have been tirelessly combating illegal activities associated with e-cigarettes and tobacco. It is crucial to acknowledge that the lawless frontier of the past is gradually fading away and should not make a comeback. However, there still exist unlawful behaviors that need to be uncovered and tackled, and this operation serves as a strong testament to addressing this issue.

 

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

Indonesian drug agency chief proposes ban on e-cigarettes and e-liquid containing harmful substances
Indonesian drug agency chief proposes ban on e-cigarettes and e-liquid containing harmful substances
Indonesian drug agency chief proposes ban on e-cigarette and e-liquid in new draft law, citing dangerous substances found.
Apr.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Australia Quantifies Black Market for First Time, Illicit Nicotine Products Account for About 80% of Consumption
Australia Quantifies Black Market for First Time, Illicit Nicotine Products Account for About 80% of Consumption
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released its first estimate of the illicit nicotine market, finding that about 80% of cigarettes, vapes and other nicotine products consumed in 2025 came from illegal sources, reigniting debate over tobacco taxation and enforcement policies.
Jun.03
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
Exclusive | China Starts Mandatory National Standards Process for Heated Cigarettes and Nicotine Pouches
Exclusive | China Starts Mandatory National Standards Process for Heated Cigarettes and Nicotine Pouches
China has launched mandatory national standards work for heated cigarettes and nicotine pouches, further formalizing regulation of both categories. The move may help lay groundwork for future market entry, but does not signal imminent domestic commercialization.
Apr.15
Turkey’s New Tobacco Bill Draft Would Cover E-Cigarettes and Heated Tobacco Products
Turkey’s New Tobacco Bill Draft Would Cover E-Cigarettes and Heated Tobacco Products
A Turkey’s draft would impose major limits on the use of tobacco products in public buildings, educational and healthcare institutions, children’s areas, and outdoor events, while setting a 2040 target for a complete ban on the production, sale, and consumption of tobacco products. The draft also broadens the definition of tobacco products to include e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and all nicotine-containing systems.
Apr.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Argentina Issues Resolution 549/2026 to Regulate Vapes, Heated Tobacco and Nicotine Pouches
Argentina Issues Resolution 549/2026 to Regulate Vapes, Heated Tobacco and Nicotine Pouches
Argentina’s government has created a comprehensive regulatory framework for nicotine products, including vapes, heated tobacco and nicotine pouches, through Resolution 549/2026 published in the Official Gazette. The new regulation ends the previous prohibitive framework and establishes rules to organize the market by requiring traceability, quality standards and mandatory registration for all manufacturers and retailers operating in the country.
May.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai