Ukraine shuts down largest illegal cigarette factory uncovered by BEB
BEB uncovered a large-scale factory generating billions in shadow income. (Photo: pixabay/sipa)
Detectives from the Bureau of Economic Security’s main investigations unit, working together with the agency’s Kyiv territorial office, uncovered and shut down a group that had organized the illegal industrial-scale production of cigarettes.
Investigators said the group behind the operation included about 40 people. They produced filtered cigarettes disguised as well-known international brands.
The illegal factory was set up in a warehouse in the city of Chernivtsi, where the group installed industrial equipment and established a full production cycle.
To keep the site running around the clock, the organizers equipped the facility with everything needed for continuous work, including industrial generators. They also arranged living conditions for workers, allowing the factory to operate 24 hours a day.
During searches, detectives seized two full-cycle production and packaging lines for filtered cigarettes, 750,000 packs of cigarettes bearing various international brand names, 149 boxes of fermented tobacco, packaging materials, rolls of cigarette paper, filter rods, and printed materials featuring well-known international tobacco brands.
The estimated value of the seized equipment, products, and other property exceeds Hr 200 million ($4.9 million).
The criminal case is being investigated under Article 204 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code, which covers the illegal manufacture, storage, sale, or transportation for sale of excisable goods.
NV previously reported that Ukraine’s illegal cigarette market has been growing.
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