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

KT&G Launches Two New lil AIBLE Dedicated Sticks as Aim Portfolio Expands to 13
KT&G Launches Two New lil AIBLE Dedicated Sticks as Aim Portfolio Expands to 13
KT&G said on April 20 that it has launched two new “AIIM” sticks for its lil AIBLE heated tobacco device at convenience stores nationwide in South Korea. The new products are “AIIM CHANGE UP” and “AIIM COOL SHOT.” The company said the products were developed based on the existing lil SOLID dedicated sticks “Fiit Change Up” and “Fiit Cool Shot.” With the launch, the Aim lineup for lil AIBLE has expanded to 13 products.
Apr.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
From myblu to Zone: Imperial Brands Refocuses NGP Strategy in HY26
From myblu to Zone: Imperial Brands Refocuses NGP Strategy in HY26
mperial Brands’ HY26 results point to a more selective NGP transition. The company is using cash flow from traditional tobacco to fund targeted investments in modern oral nicotine, heated tobacco and reusable vaping systems. Its decision to exit the legacy myblu vaping business in the U.S., while expanding Zone nicotine pouches. In Europe, Imperial’s NGP growth is being driven by a multi-category portfolio including blu, Pulze and Zone/Skruf.
Special Report
May.12
Kyrgyzstan Plans to Extend E-Cigarette Import Ban by Another Six Months
Kyrgyzstan Plans to Extend E-Cigarette Import Ban by Another Six Months
According to Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Economy, the government plans to extend the current ban on e-cigarette imports by another six months once the existing measure expires, with the new restriction set to take effect on July 10, 2026. The ban covers disposable e-cigarettes as well as nicotine-containing liquids for reusable systems.
Apr.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai
    Shenzhen Tobacco Monopoly Bureau Moves to Advance E-Cigarette Regulatory System 2.0
Shenzhen Tobacco Monopoly Bureau Moves to Advance E-Cigarette Regulatory System 2.0
The Shenzhen Tobacco Monopoly Bureau recently held the city’s 2026 e-cigarette regulation work conference to implement higher-level meeting requirements, review the city’s e-cigarette regulatory work in 2025 and during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, assess the current situation, and deploy the rollout of E-cigarette Regulatory System 2.0 across Shenzhen’s tobacco commercial system.
Apr.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philip Morris Korea to Launch IQOS Iluma i One “Electric Purple” Color, Expanding Into Major Convenience Store Channels From May
Philip Morris Korea to Launch IQOS Iluma i One “Electric Purple” Color, Expanding Into Major Convenience Store Channels From May
Philip Morris Korea said on March 31 that it will begin selling the new “Electric Purple” color for the heated tobacco device IQOS Iluma i One at major convenience stores nationwide in South Korea starting May 2. The color will first be introduced on April 10 at the official IQOS online store and nine IQOS directly operated stores nationwide. To mark the expansion of its sales channels, the company will run promotions at major convenience stores through May 20.
Mar.31
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