Ukrainian Authorities Bust Illegal E-cigarette Sales Ring Worth Millions

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
May.23.2024
Ukrainian Authorities Bust Illegal E-cigarette Sales Ring Worth Millions
Ukraine's BEB detectives announce six suspects arrested for illegal e-cigarette sales worth $1.3 million, uncovered in multiple raids.

According to Ukrainian media outlet Focus, on May 22, the main detective department of the Security Service of Ukraine (BEB) announced that six individuals are suspected of selling illegally manufactured e-cigarettes and e-cigarette liquid without proper excise tax stamps, amounting to 52 million hryvnias (approximately $1.3 million). This information was reported by BEB news service.

 

The report states that a group of people organized the sale of illegally manufactured consumer goods through chain stores and online websites. These stores are located in several Western regions, especially Ivanovo-Frankivsk and Chernobyl.

 

The BEB clarified that initially detectives conducted over 20 searches, seizing property worth over 40 million grivnas. However, even after the searches, the suspects continued to illegally sell tax-exempt goods.

 

The BEB pointed out, "BEB detectives once again conducted searches of warehouses and product sales locations. Over 45,000 e-cigarettes and the liquid used with them were seized. The seized items are estimated to be worth over 12 million Grifenia (approximately 300,000 USD).

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Belarus Official Says Full Vape Ban Is Not Advisable Due to Supply Risks From Russia
Belarus Official Says Full Vape Ban Is Not Advisable Due to Supply Risks From Russia
A Belarusian Interior Ministry official said on March 18 at a press conference on preventing dependence on electronic smoking systems that a full ban on vapes is not appropriate in Belarus at this stage.
Mar.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Exhibition Insights | Geek Bar Booth Shows Two Fasoul Heat-Not-Burn Devices in Prague
Exhibition Insights | Geek Bar Booth Shows Two Fasoul Heat-Not-Burn Devices in Prague
At EVO NXT 2026 in Prague, the Geek Bar booth displayed two Fasoul heat-not-burn devices, Q1 Pro and C2. One stressed compact size, screen-led control and dual modes, while the other highlighted faster heating, a larger battery and added functions. Both were presented as compatible with IQOS TEREA and SENTIA sticks. Materials on a website displaying Fasoul-related information also show recent market activity in Japan and Italy.
Apr.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Exclusive | TPE 2026 Cools as Caution Deepens in the U.S. Vape Market
Exclusive | TPE 2026 Cools as Caution Deepens in the U.S. Vape Market
The show had become an important check-in point for Chinese manufacturers and brand owners looking for signs of change in the U.S. market after months of softer demand. Instead, participants said the event highlighted a more restrained mood: traffic in the vape section was uneven, standout launches were limited, and conversations often failed to turn into orders.
Special Report
Apr.12
Australian Border Force Deputy Commissioner Meets China Tobacco Regulator as Illicit Tobacco Enforcement Intensifies
Australian Border Force Deputy Commissioner Meets China Tobacco Regulator as Illicit Tobacco Enforcement Intensifies
ABF Deputy Commissioner Tim Fitzgerald visited Beijing for talks with China’s STMA. The meeting follows several exchanges between Australian enforcement agencies and China’s tobacco regulator in recent years. The discussions come as Australia intensifies efforts to combat illicit tobacco and vaping products, including large seizures at the border, while the country’s strict tobacco and vape policies continue to spark debate over their impact on the growth of black markets.
Mar.09
PMI’s Smoke-Free Business Accounts for 43% of Net Revenues in Q1 as Full-Year EPS Guidance Rises
PMI’s Smoke-Free Business Accounts for 43% of Net Revenues in Q1 as Full-Year EPS Guidance Rises
On April 22, 2026, Philip Morris International released its first-quarter 2026 results. The report showed net revenues of $10.146 billion, up 9.1% year on year; adjusted diluted EPS of $1.96, up 16.0%; and smoke-free products accounting for 43% of total net revenues. Based on first-quarter performance, the company raised its 2026 full-year adjusted diluted EPS forecast to $8.36 to $8.51, or $8.11 to $8.26 excluding currency.
Apr.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
EVO NXT: two days, four zones, countless opportunities
EVO NXT: two days, four zones, countless opportunities
Mar.30