Major Crackdown on Production and Sale of Counterfeit E-Cigarettes

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Nov.24.2023
Major Crackdown on Production and Sale of Counterfeit E-Cigarettes
Police in Shiyan, Hubei province, China, have busted a major e-cigarette production and sales case, arresting 20 suspects and seizing over CNY 100 million worth of counterfeit products.

According to a statement released by the Dongyue Sub-bureau of the Public Security Bureau (PSB) in Shiyan, Hubei Province on November 23rd, a major case involving the production and sale of counterfeit e-cigarettes across multiple provinces and cities has been successfully cracked. The authorities have apprehended 20 suspects involved in the case, with the total value of the products involved exceeding 100 million yuan.

Major Crackdown on Production and Sale of Counterfeit E-Cigarettes
Translation: Production site of e-cigarettes. Image provided by the Shiyan police.

 

In March 2023, staff members of the Tenyan Tobacco Sales Bureau discovered the sale of fruit-flavored e-cigarettes (pods) within the urban area. They immediately launched an investigation and identified Liu as a suspect for selling tobacco products without a license. Subsequently, they reported the matter to the police.

 

After receiving a report, the Economic Investigation Brigade of Dongyue Sub-bureau proceeded to initiate a formal investigation into Liu's case. On April 20th, the specialized police officers apprehended Liu and his superior, Xiang, inside a residential property in Wuhan, where they were engaged in a transaction. A total of over 40,000 counterfeit e-cigarette pods and 136 smoking accessories were seized at the scene.

 

After the arrest of two individuals, the police successfully identified two subordinate distributors and their superior, Wu Mou, located in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province through interrogations and investigative analysis. In order to gather further evidence against Wu Mou, the specialized police team conducted on-site investigations in Wuxi. Ultimately, six suspects involved in illegal business activities, with Wu Mou as the leader, were apprehended. Additionally, three shops and three storage locations under their names were searched, resulting in the seizure of over 20,000 counterfeit e-cigarette pods and one transportation vehicle.

 

In a situation where Wu was extremely uncooperative, the investigating police analyzed and assessed the logistics and financial flows they had already obtained. As the evidence chain became clearer, Wu's psychological defenses were gradually breached, and he confessed to the process of contacting Feng and Qiu to obtain goods.

 

As a result, the task force immediately traveled to Dongguan to carry out an investigation, successfully identifying several suspected criminals, including Feng and Qiu. However, no finished fruit-flavored e-cigarette (pod) products were found at the production site. After more than two months of investigation, the police gradually unraveled information regarding the organization structure and production patterns of the criminal gang.

 

On July 26th, under the careful coordination of the public security authorities and tobacco department in multiple locations, the special task force of the Dongyue Sub-bureau and staff from the tobacco department carried out simultaneous operations in Dongguan, Zhongshan, and Zhanjiang, Guangdong. They successfully arrested two suspects involved in the case, dismantled three e-cigarette manufacturing sites, and shut down two storage and distribution centers. This operation effectively disrupted the entire supply chain of e-cigarette production, sales, and raw material processing related to this case.

 

Notice

1. This article is provided exclusively for professional research purposes related to industry, technology and policy. Any reference to brands or products is made solely for the purpose of objective description and does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or promotion of any brand or product.

2. The use of nicotine products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products, is associated with significant health risks. Users are required to comply with all relevant laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is strictly restricted from being accessed or viewed by individuals under the legal age.

Copyright

This article is either an original work by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with the original source clearly indicated. The copyright and usage rights of this article belong to 2Firsts or the original source. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other unauthorized use of this article by any entity or individual is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally responsible. For copyright-related matters, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have utilized AI to enhance translation and editing efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, errors may occur. Readers are advised to refer to the sources provided for more accurate information.

This article should not be used as a basis for any investment decisions or advice, and 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any errors in the content.

Altria CFO, EVP to Retire in July; Company Outlines 2025 Plan Pending Shareholder Approval
Altria CFO, EVP to Retire in July; Company Outlines 2025 Plan Pending Shareholder Approval
Altria Group has announced that Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Steven D'Ambrosia will retire on July 31, 2025, and will be succeeded by Katie F. Patterson, currently Senior Director of External Reporting, effective August 1. In Q1 2025, the company reported a 5.7% YoY decline in revenue and a 49.4% drop in net income.
May.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Research on International Expansion Strategy for Chinese E-Cigarette Brands
Research on International Expansion Strategy for Chinese E-Cigarette Brands
Chinese e-cigarette brands collaborate with Yunnan University for international market expansion research, marking a significant industry milestone.
Apr.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
IMB CEO Stefan Bomhard Announces Retirement
IMB CEO Stefan Bomhard Announces Retirement
IMB has announced that CEO Stefan Bomhard will retire in October 2025. He will be succeeded by CFO Lukas Paravicini, while Chief Strategy and Development Officer Murray McGowan will be promoted to CFO.
May.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Brazilian Police Seize Nearly 20,000 Illegal E-cigarettes In Raid
Brazilian Police Seize Nearly 20,000 Illegal E-cigarettes In Raid
Brazilian federal highway police seized nearly 20,000 illegal e-cigarettes in a routine check, leading to the driver's detention.
Apr.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Indonesia Tightens Tobacco Control, Focuses on E-Cigarettes and Social Media
Indonesia Tightens Tobacco Control, Focuses on E-Cigarettes and Social Media
Indonesia bans tobacco ads on social media and podcasts, restricts e-cigarette promotion, and protects youth by including relevant venues in smoke-free zone regulations.
May.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Brazilian Police Crack Down on Illegal E-Cigarette Sales Network; Active Military Officer Arrested
Brazilian Police Crack Down on Illegal E-Cigarette Sales Network; Active Military Officer Arrested
Brazilian military arrested for illegal e-cigarette sales in Curitiba, violating health regulations. Investigation ongoing to trace smuggling chain.
Apr.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai