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

Brazil’s MPF and Anvisa sign pact to intensify enforcement against vapes
Brazil’s MPF and Anvisa sign pact to intensify enforcement against vapes
Brazil’s Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office (MPF) and health regulator Anvisa signed a cooperation protocol to strengthen enforcement against electronic smoking devices (DEFs) and expand health-risk awareness campaigns.
Feb.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Kansas Senate approves tougher vape rules to target unlicensed products and child-directed ads
Kansas Senate approves tougher vape rules to target unlicensed products and child-directed ads
The Kansas Senate approved Senate Bill 355 on Wednesday, aiming to crack down on unlicensed vaping products and eliminate advertisements geared toward children. The bill, backed by major tobacco companies, would impose the same licensing and advertising requirements on e-cigarettes as other nicotine products and require every e-cigarette manufacturer doing business in Kansas to obtain a license, with a $2,500 application fee.
Feb.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Spain’s PSOE files motion to curb vaping and nicotine pouches, restricting sales channels and banning online sales
Spain’s PSOE files motion to curb vaping and nicotine pouches, restricting sales channels and banning online sales
Spain’s Socialist Party (PSOE) has registered a non-legislative motion (PNL) in Congress seeking to curb the use of vapes and nicotine pouches by restricting sales to authorised channels and banning sales online and in non-specialist shops. The proposal says the current “lack of control” in commercialisation facilitates tax evasion and breaches existing health and environmental rules.
Mar.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan Tobacco Expands Heated Tobacco Customization Strategy with Artist-Led Limited Editions
Japan Tobacco Expands Heated Tobacco Customization Strategy with Artist-Led Limited Editions
Japan Tobacco has launched a limited-edition Ploom AURA front panel series in collaboration with musician Ichiro Yamaguchi, featuring five customized designs incorporating brass, Kutani ware, verdigris, kintsugi, and rosewood motifs. Two editions are available through retail channels, while three are distributed via a membership lottery system. The initiative highlights JT’s growing focus on exterior customization and design partnerships as part of its broader heated tobacco brand strategy.
Feb.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Syria announces comprehensive ban on e-cigarettes covering production, trade, sale and use
Syria announces comprehensive ban on e-cigarettes covering production, trade, sale and use
Syria Damascus health authorities announced a comprehensive ban on e-cigarettes, prohibiting their production, circulation, sale and use, citing health risks and the need to protect public health, particularly among children and young people.
Mar.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Malaysia’s Selangor health authorities fine company US$5,000 over toy-like vape devices
Malaysia’s Selangor health authorities fine company US$5,000 over toy-like vape devices
Selangor’s health department said a company was fined RM20,000(US$5,000) for supplying vape devices designed to resemble toys. Officers raided the firm’s premises near Taman Kosas in Ampang on Dec 19, 2025 after discovering it was importing and distributing toy-shaped vape devices.
Mar.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai