Discovery of Underground Tobacco Factory in Ukraine

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Jan.09.2024
Discovery of Underground Tobacco Factory in Ukraine
Ukrainian police have uncovered an underground tobacco factory hidden in an abandoned military base, with a production capacity of 50,000 cigarette packs per day.

According to a recent report by Epravda, Ukrainian police have discovered an underground tobacco factory in the Cherkasy region. This factory was hidden within an abandoned military base and featured highly industrialized tobacco production lines, as well as specialized facilities for drying and packaging tobacco. These efficient facilities have led to exceptionally high productivity in this underground factory.

 

In order to conceal their crimes, the founder of this factory not only used a diesel power plant to ensure a steady electricity supply, thus avoiding any suspicious traces on the power grid, but also installed a surveillance system around the factory to promptly detect and deceive police searches. The production capacity of this factory can reach up to 50,000 packs of cigarettes per day, with over 150,000 packs accumulated in the warehouse.

 

The police confirmed the existence of the factory earlier this year and proceeded to completely shut it down. It was reported that the equipment and products seized from the factory had a value of 20 million Grivnas (530,000 US dollars).

 

Meanwhile, the police have also discovered that the products of this underground factory are mostly distributed to the markets in Cherkasy, Kiev, and Vinnytsia regions through wholesale and retail channels, being sold under the disguise of other tobacco manufacturers' products.

 

Currently, the Ukrainian authorities have initiated a criminal investigation under local criminal laws into the illegal manufacture, storage, sale, and transportation of counterfeit stamped goods. They have also begun gathering evidence with the intention of prosecuting the organizers and participants of this underground black market.

 

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

KT&G says lil reached about US$2.924 billion in cumulative sales and is expanding overseas
KT&G says lil reached about US$2.924 billion in cumulative sales and is expanding overseas
KT&G said its HNB brand lil has grown since launch, reporting KRW 7.8 billion (about US$5.304 million) in sales in 2017 and about KRW 4.3 trillion (about US$2.924 billion) in cumulative sales by last year’s third quarter, with KRW 5 trillion (about US$3.400 billion) described as within reach. KT&G said lil has entered more than 30 countries and supplies some products abroad via a partnership with PMI.
Jan.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Korea’s MFDS sets 2026 plan to manage and disclose harmful constituents in tobacco products
Korea’s MFDS sets 2026 plan to manage and disclose harmful constituents in tobacco products
South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) said it has established its 2026 work plan to systematically manage harmful constituents in tobacco products and disclose related information under the Tobacco Harmfulness Management Act, which took effect in November 2025.
Jan.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Exclusive: Suspected ‘Backend Update Then Withdrawal’ Suggests Glas May Be Next FDA-Authorized E-Cigarette Brand After Juul
Exclusive: Suspected ‘Backend Update Then Withdrawal’ Suggests Glas May Be Next FDA-Authorized E-Cigarette Brand After Juul
An exclusive 2Firsts investigation found an unpublished FDA update on e-cigarette marketing authorizations that mirrors market speculation, suggesting Glas’s application may have cleared internal review, though no official confirmation has been issued.
Regulations
Dec.21
JT Delivers Record FY2025 Results as RRP Accelerates and Ploom Expands Globally
JT Delivers Record FY2025 Results as RRP Accelerates and Ploom Expands Globally
JT reported record FY2025 revenue and adjusted operating profit, supported by combustible resilience and accelerating reduced-risk product growth. Heated tobacco volumes surged, led by Ploom. The group confirmed a major three-year RRP investment plan and projected further growth in 2026.
Feb.12
UK South East Seized 3.1M Illegal Vapes Since 2021 as Crackdown Intensifies
UK South East Seized 3.1M Illegal Vapes Since 2021 as Crackdown Intensifies
Illegal vape seizures in the UK South East have risen sharply over the past five years, with 2023 marking the high point. While single-use vapes were banned from sale in June 2025, enforcement teams say disposable products remain in circulation, fueling renewed calls for licensing and stronger enforcement funding.
Jan.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Thailand’s Bangkok Police Bust Two Warehouses, Seize Over 100,000 Heated-Tobacco Items Worth $960,000
Thailand’s Bangkok Police Bust Two Warehouses, Seize Over 100,000 Heated-Tobacco Items Worth $960,000
Bangkok police said they raided two warehouse locations linked to an online distribution network for illicit vaping/heated-tobacco products, seizing IQOS ILUMA i devices and large quantities of TEREA sticks worth more than 30 million baht (about US$960,000). Three suspects described as administrators and caretakers were arrested, while investigators probe suspected smuggling routes and unpaid excise liabilities.
Feb.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai