Ukraine Cracks Down on Illegal E-Liquid Supply Chain Worth Over $30 Million

Jun.05.2025
Ukraine Cracks Down on Illegal E-Liquid Supply Chain Worth Over $30 Million
Ukrainian law enforcement dismantled an interstate illegal e-liquid production network operating across Kharkiv and Lviv regions. Authorities seized 2.8 tons of nicotine liquid, 8.6 tons of glycerin, and 1.4 million units of vape flavorings, with the total value estimated at 1.2 billion hryvnias (approximately $31.29 million).

Key Points:

 

1.Ukrainian law enforcement agencies and security services are collaborating to crack down on the illegal manufacturing and sale network of e-liquids.

 

2.The families involved in the case organized illegal production in the Kharkiv and Lviv regions.

 

3.A total of over 2.8 tons of e-liquid containing nicotine and 1.4 million units of edible flavorings were seized.

 

4.The value of the goods involved is approximately 1.2 billion grivnas ($31.29 million), and the case is still under investigation.

 


 

According to the latest information from the Ukraine Economic Security Bureau, the main detective department of the Ukraine Economic Security Bureau (BEB) collaborated with the Ukraine Security Service (SBU) to successfully dismantle a criminal network involved in the illegal production and sale of e-liquid.

 

Suspects in Kharkiv and Lviv regions have been found to be engaged in illegal production, storage, and sale of e-liquid, pods, refill containers, and other related products. Investigation revealed that they were distributing these counterfeit products through retail outlets and wholesalers to enter the market.

 

Detectives from the Ukrainian Economic Security Bureau conducted a total of 9 searches in this operation, covering multiple warehouses, production facilities, and the residences of suspects. The search results revealed over 2.8 tons of nicotine e-liquid used for e-cigarettes, over 8.6 tons of glycerin, and nearly 1.4 million units of edible flavorings in plastic containers.

 

In addition, equipment for producing e-liquid and refilling e-cigarettes, labeling systems, electronic smoking devices, computers, cell phones, documents, and a black notebook were also found, with a total estimated value of approximately 1.2 billion grivnas ($31.29 million).

 

Currently, the case is still in the stage of investigation, with law enforcement agencies working to identify all individuals involved in the illegal activities. According to Article 28(3) and Article 204(2) of the Ukrainian Criminal Code, the suspects will face charges related to the illegal production of alcohol-containing beverages, beer, tobacco products, and other high-tax items.

 

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

Japan Tobacco Announces Executive Leadership Changes Effective in 2026
Japan Tobacco Announces Executive Leadership Changes Effective in 2026
Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) has announced a series of executive and board appointments effective from 2026, including the nomination of Takehiko Tsutsui—currently Executive Vice President at JT International—as President, CEO and Representative Director.
Nov.26
Comedian Shuib fined  US$2,460 after pleading guilty to promoting an e-cigarette on a podcast
Comedian Shuib fined US$2,460 after pleading guilty to promoting an e-cigarette on a podcast
Bernama reported that comedian Shahmira Muhamad, better known as Shuib Sepahtu, was fined RM10,000 (about US$2,460.93) after pleading guilty to promoting an electronic cigarette product on a YouTube podcast in 2024. The magistrate ordered one month’s jail in default of payment, and he paid the fine. He was charged over a promotion at 4.26pm on Oct 22, 2024, under Section 9(1) of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852).
Jan.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai
British American Tobacco’s Irish unit says VELO pouch sales hit 29m, net revenue climbs to €33.75m
British American Tobacco’s Irish unit says VELO pouch sales hit 29m, net revenue climbs to €33.75m
British American Tobacco’s Irish subsidiary PJ Carroll & Co Ltd reported that sales of its Velo nicotine pouches nearly quintupled in 2024 to 29 million units, driving an 11% year-on-year increase in net revenue to €33.75 million. However, amid a heavy tax burden and declining traditional cigarette volumes, the company’s pre-tax profit fell 8% to €5.69 million.
Dec.01 by 2FIRSTS.ai
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
$200 Million Investment to Advance Smokeless Product Manufacturing at Reynolds
$200 Million Investment to Advance Smokeless Product Manufacturing at Reynolds
Reynolds American Inc. announced it will create 200 new manufacturing positions in 2026 at its Tobaccoville, North Carolina, Operations Center, bringing total new roles added over the past two years to more than 1,000. The company added 800 jobs between 2024 and 2025. These roles will support the continued growth of Velo Plus nicotine pouches and Reynolds’ expanding multi-category portfolio, aligned with its mission to build a smokeless world.
Dec.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russia's Perm Legislators Approve Full Ban on Vape Products in Regional Retail Market
Russia's Perm Legislators Approve Full Ban on Vape Products in Regional Retail Market
2Firsts, November 28, 2025 — The Legislative Assembly of Perm Krai has passed a law banning the retail sale of vape products and other nicotine-aerosol devices, effective March 1, 2026. Individuals found selling such items will face fines between ₽15,000–₽20,000 (about US $180–240), while companies face ₽50,000–₽100,000 (about US $600–1,200). The ban covers all electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), heated-tobacco devices, and their components, regardless of nicotine content.
Nov.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai