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).

 

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