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