Turkey VDK uncovers illegal $8.5 million e-cigarette transactions

Jan.21

Turkish tax authorities uncover illegal $8.5 million e-cigarette trade, cracking down on underground economy. Minister vows stronger enforcement.

According to T24's report on January 19, the Turkish Ministry of Finance's Tax Inspection Department (VDK) uncovered illegal e-cigarette transactions worth 300 million lira (8.5 million US dollars) during an inspection.

According to sources from the department, the tax audit department has launched an investigation specifically targeting e-cigarettes, analyzing fund transactions exceeding 20 billion lira (5.6 billion USD) and inspecting the business activities of over 50,000 taxpayers. Ultimately, the department uncovered illegal e-cigarette transactions worth 300 million lira (8.5 million USD).

Turkey's Minister of Finance, Mehmet Şimşek, stated in response to this event: "This year, we will further strengthen our crackdown on the underground economy, which includes various products and industries. We will not compromise in this fight, in order to enhance the efficiency and fairness of tax collection.

According to relevant regulations, all bans on tobacco and other tobacco products also apply to e-cigarettes. Advertising, promotion, and sales to minors under 18 are strictly prohibited.

References:

[1] Maliye bakanlığı: Tespit edilen kaçak elektronik sigara ticareti 300 milyon lira

Also Read:

[1] Turkey's Ministry of Trade Reports: Nearly 6 Million Illegal E-Cigarettes Seized in 2024, Valued at $13 Million

[2] Turkey Seizes 16,500 Illegal E-Cigarettes in Smuggling Crackdown

[3] Turkey Drafts New Law: Sellers of E-Cigarettes Could Face Up to 6 Years in Prison

[4] Turkish police seize $700,000 illegal e-cigarettes at border crossing

[5] Turkish Police Bust Major Smuggling Operation, Seize 2,437 E-Cigarettes

[6] Turkish politician's car caught smuggling e-cigarettes worth $60,000.

[7] Health Minister Warns Young People About the Dangers of E-Cigarettes

#Europe #Open system e-cigarettes #Regulation #Turkey

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