Shenzhen Police Uncover Counterfeit ALIBARBAR Vape Case Worth Tens of Millions

Nov.18.2024
Shenzhen Police Uncover Counterfeit ALIBARBAR Vape Case Worth Tens of Millions
Shenzhen police, in collaboration with the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration, successfully cracked a major case involving counterfeit ALIBARBAR vapes.

Statement:

On November 22, 2Firsts received a letter from Shenzhen Xiyue Intelligent Technology Manufacturing Co., Ltd. The letter stated that the products shown in the original and counterfeit comparison images in the article "ALIBARBAR Counterfeit Case," first published on sznews were not produced by the company. However, the vape production license number displayed in the images belongs to the company and is suspected of being misappropriated.

 

Since sznews has removed the images, 2Firsts has also deleted them. This statement is issued for clarification.


Shenzhen police and the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration seized tens of thousands of counterfeit ALIBARBAR vapes worth millions, cracking a major case and targeting illegal counterfeit sales, sznews reported on November 15.

 

Shenzhen Police Uncover Counterfeit ALIBARBAR Vape Case Worth Tens of Millions
Crime scene | Image source: sznews

 

Law enforcement in Shenzhen conducted simultaneous raids across multiple locations in one district, shutting down three counterfeit vape production and sales operations. The raids resulted in the seizure of tens of thousands of fake ALIBARBAR vapes, along with manufacturing equipment, raw materials, and packaging materials.

 

Shenzhen Police Uncover Counterfeit ALIBARBAR Vape Case Worth Tens of Millions
Scene of the crime | Image source: sznews

 

During interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crimes of producing and selling counterfeit vapes. They admitted to manufacturing large quantities of fake vapes for high profits and distributing them to overseas markets. The case is currently under further investigation.

 

Shenzhen Police Uncover Counterfeit ALIBARBAR Vape Case Worth Tens of Millions
Crime scene | Image source: sznews

 

Shenzhen police announced their commitment to cracking down on counterfeit production and sales, working closely with the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration and other authorities to protect consumer rights. 

 

They also advised consumers to buy vape products only from official channels, warning that using counterfeit products could lead to serious health risks.

China STMA Deputy Administrator Meets KT&G COO as Heated Cigarette Rules Advance
China STMA Deputy Administrator Meets KT&G COO as Heated Cigarette Rules Advance
Wang Gongcheng, deputy administrator of China’s State Tobacco Monopoly Administration, met KT&G Chief Operating Officer Lee Sang-hak in Shanghai on September 1, according to Oriental Tobacco News. The meeting comes as China seeks public comment on a draft mandatory national standard for heated cigarettes. The report did not disclose the subjects discussed or indicate whether heated tobacco products or market access were addressed.
News
Sep.02
UK HMRC Unveils Red and Yellow Transitional Vape Duty Stamps Ahead of October Tax Launch
UK HMRC Unveils Red and Yellow Transitional Vape Duty Stamps Ahead of October Tax Launch
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has released sample images of the UK’s transitional vaping duty stamps, showing red and yellow versions ahead of the new Vaping Products Duty and Vaping Duty Stamps Scheme starting on October 1, 2026. Transitional stamps contain physical security features but no digital scanning function. Approved businesses may purchase them through November 30 and affix them through December 31. HMRC has not stated that the red and yellow samples represent different product categories or tax statuses.
Regulations
Sep.02
From Product Innovation to Integrated Solutions: NEXTECH Expands Its Global Heated Tobacco Solutions
From Product Innovation to Integrated Solutions: NEXTECH Expands Its Global Heated Tobacco Solutions
NEXTECH launched its NEXE Pro circumferential-heating tobacco stick globally at InterTabac 2026, as the company expands from product innovation into broader heated tobacco solutions. Amid intensifying competition across global HTP markets, NEXTECH is strengthening its R&D, manufacturing and pre-launch support capabilities to serve different types of business customers.
Industry Insight
Sep.15
Product | DOJO Launches BLAST10K Fresh in UK With 0+10ml E-Liquid Structure, Retaining 2+8ml Pod Compatibility
Product | DOJO Launches BLAST10K Fresh in UK With 0+10ml E-Liquid Structure, Retaining 2+8ml Pod Compatibility
DOJO launched the BLAST10K Fresh in the UK on September 4, 2026, introducing its INSTA-JUICED™ technology and a new 0+10ml structure that keeps e-liquid separated from the coil before activation. The device features a 1000mAh rechargeable battery, COREX BLAST dual-mesh technology and SSS leak-resistant technology, with a manufacturer-rated capacity of up to 10,000 puffs. It also retains compatibility with existing 2+8ml pods across the BLAST ecosystem. The launch introduces eight new flavors, including Matcha Strawberry, which DOJO describes as an industry first.
Market
Sep.04
Ukraine Raises Excise Stamp Fees for Tobacco, Heated Tobacco and Vape Liquids by 30.5% as Parliament Backs E-Excise Delay to 2027
Ukraine Raises Excise Stamp Fees for Tobacco, Heated Tobacco and Vape Liquids by 30.5% as Parliament Backs E-Excise Delay to 2027
Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers adopted Resolution No. 1259 on October 15, 2026, increasing excise stamp production fees for tobacco products and e-cigarette liquids by approximately 30.5%, from UAH 0.1643 to UAH 0.2144 per stamp. Fees for alcoholic beverages rose by about 30.2%. Separately, Ukraine's parliament passed Bill No. 15532 on October 13, proposing to postpone the full implementation of electronic excise stamps and traceability for alcohol, tobacco and e-cigarette liquids from November 1, 2026, to July 1, 2027. Parliament cited additional testing, configuration and integration requirements. The bill was sent to the president for signature on October 19.
Regulations
Oct.21
Special Report | Altria Subsidiaries Sue FDA to Vacate 2021 PMTA Rule as Agency Moves to Speed Reviews
Special Report | Altria Subsidiaries Sue FDA to Vacate 2021 PMTA Rule as Agency Moves to Speed Reviews
2Firsts reviewed the original federal court complaint filed by Altria subsidiaries Helix Innovations and NJOY on Sept. 2 challenging FDA’s 2021 PMTA rule. The lawsuit questions whether FDA’s review process complies with the Tobacco Control Act’s 180-day timeline, even as the agency moves to accelerate PMTA reviews and issues more marketing orders. Drawing on the complaint, FDA records, government audits and recent court rulings, 2Firsts examines the legal arguments, supporting evidence and potential implications for the U.S. tobacco review system.
Regulations
Sep.03