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

Vape Company Takes FDA to Court for Stalling Premarket Decision for Half a Decade
Vape Company Takes FDA to Court for Stalling Premarket Decision for Half a Decade
California-based vape manufacturer Schwartz E-Liquid (USA Vape Lab) has sued the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in federal court, alleging the agency unlawfully failed to issue a decision on its premarket application for flavored e-cigarette products for more than five years. The company is seeking a court order compelling the FDA to act within 90 days.
Nov.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
ceshi1111
ceshi1111
Trusted by industry leaders and innovators, ARAC brings unmatched expertise in Modules 5 & 6, including label and claim development, comprehension testing, human factors/usability, and clinical-behavioral research such as actual use and switching studies. These studies generate the robust, real-world evidence needed to evaluate whether products are “Appropriate for the Protection of Public Health” (APPH) -- including randomized experimental longitudinal, actual use, cohort st
Oct.21
Smoore: Profit Growth Gradually Improving, Fourth Quarter Shows Promise — A 2Firsts Reader Submission
Smoore: Profit Growth Gradually Improving, Fourth Quarter Shows Promise — A 2Firsts Reader Submission
Smoore released its financial results for the third quarter of 2025.A reader submitted to 2Firsts, noting that Smoore’s declining profit margin was mainly due to the substantial upfront investment in its new heated tobacco products, the relatively low margins of vaping devices, and price reductions resulting from product iterations in the European atomization market.as product structure adjustments near completion, the company’s profit growth is expected to further rebound in the fourth quart.
Oct.13
2FIRSTS Data Insight|China’s Vape Exports to the U.S. Hit a Record $590 Million: A Peak Driven by Enforcement Cycles, Not Real Demand
2FIRSTS Data Insight|China’s Vape Exports to the U.S. Hit a Record $590 Million: A Peak Driven by Enforcement Cycles, Not Real Demand
China’s vape exports to the U.S. surged to a record $590 million in October 2025—nearly double the usual monthly level and pushing the U.S. share above 50% of China’s global shipments.But the spike was not driven by demand. Instead, it reflected a temporary release created by tightened U.S. enforcement, a collapsed logistics pathway, and a bullwhip-style surge in replenishment.The peak signals more volatility ahead, not recovery.
Special Report
Nov.24
Exclusive Interview | What’s Changing in Cigars? A Data Firm’s Perspective on the Industry’s Turning Point
Exclusive Interview | What’s Changing in Cigars? A Data Firm’s Perspective on the Industry’s Turning Point
As regulations tighten, consumer habits evolve, and new nicotine products reshape the market, the cigar industry is undergoing a quiet but profound transformation. In this exclusive interview, 2Firsts speaks with Cigar Sense — a data-driven sensory analysis firm — to explore what’s really changing in cigars, and what it means for manufacturers, retailers, and smokers around the world.
Nov.10
Smoore’s Q3 Revenue Hits Record High, Reflecting Structural Growth in Global HNB and E-Vapor Markets
Smoore’s Q3 Revenue Hits Record High, Reflecting Structural Growth in Global HNB and E-Vapor Markets
Smoore posted record-high Q3 2025 revenue, driven by growth in both HNB and e-vapor segments, reflecting ongoing expansion of the global next-generation tobacco industry amid compliance and structural upgrades.
Oct.12