The State Bureau of Economic Security seized 2.5 metric tons of contraband tobacco worth 4.3 million hryvnias in the Vinnytsia region
Detectives from the Economic Security Bureau uncovered a group of individuals who had organized the illegal production of tobacco products in the Vinnytsia region. During searches, law enforcement officers seized more than 2.5 metric tons of raw tobacco, cigarette-making equipment, and other items with a total value of over 4.3 million hryvnias. According to the investigation, the operators set up the workshop right inside a private home and sold the finished products to local customers.
Detectives from the regional office of the State Bureau of Economic Security in Vinnytsia Oblast shut down the underground tobacco production operation organized by a group of individuals. According to the agency, the perpetrators set up an illegal workshop on private property. There, they established a full production cycle for tobacco products—from processing raw materials to manufacturing finished cigarettes.
The organizers purchased some of the tobacco from other regions of Ukraine. According to the investigation, they sold the finished products through the local market. During five searches of the sites where the illegal products were manufactured and stored, as well as in the suspects’ residences, law enforcement officers found significant stockpiles of tobacco and equipment.
In particular, more than 2.5 metric tons of raw tobacco with an estimated value of over 3 million hryvnias were seized. Detectives also discovered nearly 40,000 cigarette tubes, a machine for shredding leaf tobacco, and 63 cigarette-making devices.
In addition, law enforcement officers seized cash in Ukrainian and foreign currencies, cell phones, and records that may confirm the existence of the clandestine production operation. According to preliminary estimates, the total value of the seized property and raw materials exceeds 4.3 million hryvnias. A pre-trial investigation is currently underway into the illegal manufacture, storage, and sale of excise goods. The case was opened under Part 1 of Article 204 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
Operational support for the case is being provided by the Strategic Investigations Department in Vinnytsia Oblast. Prosecutors from the Vinnytsia Regional Prosecutor’s Office are overseeing the proceedings. Law enforcement officials are identifying all individuals who may be involved in organizing the illegal scheme and are also assessing the scale of the clandestine production operations. This information is available on the agency’s website.
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