Key Takeaways
- Almaty authorities seized and destroyed 180,000+ vapes
- Prosecutors estimate potential revenue could exceed 1 billion tenge (about $2.0 million)
- Sales allegedly ran via Telegram channels including “ESCOBAR OPTOM” and “Snake opt”
- Products were stored in warehouses and covert stash locations
- Case coordinated by Almaty prosecutors, completed by economic investigators, and sent to court; six people face liability
- Assets worth 347 million tenge (about $694,000) were frozen
- Kazakhstan has enforced a ban since June 2024 covering import, production, sale and distribution of e-cigarettes, flavorings and liquids
2Firsts, February 27, 2026
According to Astana TV, authorities in Kazakhstan’s Almaty uncovered a major illegal vape trading scheme and seized and destroyed more than 180,000 vapes. Prosecutors said potential income from selling the confiscated products could have exceeded 1 billion tenge (about $2.0 million, using 1 KZT = $0.0020).
The report says that despite Kazakhstan’s nationwide ban on e-cigarettes, Almaty has recorded dozens of cases involving illicit vape circulation. Suspects allegedly sold the prohibited products through Telegram channels and social media, including Telegram accounts named “ESCOBAR OPTOM,” “Snake opt,” and others. Sales were conducted covertly, with inventory stored in warehouses and other concealed locations.
Astana TV reported that, under the coordination of the Almaty prosecutor’s office, the Department of Economic Investigations has completed another criminal case. Authorities froze assets worth 347 million tenge (about $694,000). The case has been sent to court, and six individuals are expected to be held accountable.
Prosecutors also reiterated that since June 2024, Kazakhstan has banned the import, production, sale and distribution of e-cigarettes, flavorings and related liquids.
Image source: Astana TV
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