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).

References:

[1] Обшуки не злякали: на Заході вилучили нелегальну партію електронних цигарок на 52 млн грн

Also Read:

[1] PMI Invests 30 million USD in Ukraine New Factory Despite Ongoing Conflict

[2] Ukrainian Government Implements National Equipment Registration Act

[3] British Government Provides Tax-Free Tobacco to Ukrainian Soldiers Training in the UK

[4] Ukrainian Representatives Consider Restricting Tobacco Sales in Kiosks

#Europe #Law enforcement #E-liquids #Ukraine

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

South Australia Issues Closure Orders to 100 Stores over Illicit Tobacco and Vapes

South Australia has imposed 28-day closure orders on 100 stores caught selling illicit tobacco and vapes since new ministerial powers took effect on 5 June. The State Government has seized about $50 million worth of illegal products, including over 41 million cigarettes, 140,000 vapes and 13,585 kilograms of loose tobacco. Two long-term closure orders have been issued and five more are before the Magistrates Court, supported by a $16 million illicit tobacco taskforce and tough new penalties.

Nov.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai

UK Peer Seeks to Weaken “Generational Smoking Ban” – Report Reveals Discussions with BAT Executive Relative

Lord Strathcarron, a member of the UK House of Lords, has admitted to discussing the government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill with a relative who holds a senior role at British American Tobacco (BAT). He is advocating amendments to scrap the bill’s core “generational smoking ban” provision, raising questions of potential conflict of interest.

Oct.27

Product | 2× “2+10” configuration, rated 36,000 puffs — VOZOL launches NEON PLUG MAX

VOZOL has listed a new product, NEON PLUG MAX, on its official website, featuring dual 2 ml prefilled pods and dual 10 ml refill bottles (24 ml total), a claimed maximum of 36,000 puffs, and two-flavour switching. The device was previously shown at InterTabac 2025 and was listed by the UK MHRA in March 2025; however, as of publication it was not yet available on overseas retail sites.

Oct.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai

2Firsts Monitor | FOGER website flags customs & tariff delays; some products out of stock

2Firsts observed on FOGER’s online retail site “FOGER VAPES” that the platform indicates restocking delays due to customs and tariff factors. Several items show limited availability or “sold out” status, with a restock alert feature offered. A previous article on the site also referenced potential tariff changes that may affect pricing.