Police dismantle a network of 50+ stores selling unmarked nicotine products in the Moscow region

Dec.30

TASS reported that police dismantled a distribution network in the Moscow region selling nicotine-containing products, e-cigarettes and vapes without mandatory markings, with organizers earning more than 10 million rubles per month (more than about $130,000). Interior Ministry spokesperson Irina Volk said some items were labeled with counterfeit identification tools of the Chestny Znak system, while others had no codes.

Key highlights

• Location: Moscow region

• Scale: retail network of more than 50 stores

• Proceeds: more than 10 million rubles per month (more than about $130,000, at 1 RUB = 0.013 USD)

• Seizures: 2,000+ unmarked nicotine-containing products; suspected liquid-nicotine packaging to be examined

• Status: alleged organizer and four accomplices detained; case opened under Part 6, Article 171.1; travel restriction imposed

2Firsts, December 30, 2025 – According to TASS, police in the Moscow region dismantled a sales network distributing nicotine-containing products, e-cigarettes and vapes without mandatory markings, with the organizers’ monthly income exceeding 10 million rubles (more than about $130,000, at 1 RUB = 0.013 USD). The information was disclosed by Russian Interior Ministry (MVD) spokesperson Irina Volk (伊琳娜·沃尔克).

In a post on her Telegram channel, Volk said her colleagues in Moscow had “eliminated a major distribution channel” for unmarked nicotine-containing products in the Moscow region. She added that the retail network, effectively owned by the suspects, included more than 50 stores, and the participants’ monthly income exceeded 10 million rubles (more than about $130,000, at 1 RUB = 0.013 USD).

Volk said the suspects marked some items with counterfeit identification tools of the Chestny Znak system, while the rest had no codes. Police also found packaging believed to contain liquid nicotine that is banned for sale in Russia. The items will be sent for examination to determine compliance with safety requirements.

She added that investigators detained the alleged organizer of the criminal business and four accomplices. With force support from Russia’s National Guard (Rosgvardiya), police conducted searches and seized more than 2,000 units of unmarked nicotine-containing products, along with other items and documents of evidentiary value.

TASS reported that a criminal case was opened under Part 6 of Article 171.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. The suspects were placed under a travel-restriction measure, and additional accomplices are being identified.

Photo credit: TASS News Agency

References:

[1] В Москве и области ликвидировали магазины, где сбывали поддельные электронные сигареты

Also Read:

[1] Russia’s Federation Council Approves Law Allowing Extrajudicial Blocking of Online Tobacco Sales

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