Illegal E-cigarette Network Busted in Ukraine: Over $87,000 Seized

Mar.13
Illegal E-cigarette Network Busted in Ukraine: Over $87,000 Seized
Ukrainian authorities seize over $87,000 worth of illegal e-cigarettes in Lviv, investigating criminal network for tax evasion.

Key points:

 

1. Ukrainian police seized illegal e-cigarettes worth over $870,000.

 

2. A total of around 105,000 e-cigarettes, e-liquids, and vaporizer devices were seized in a bust. The criminal gang was illegally selling e-cigarettes and related products through fixed sales points.

 


 

2Firsts, reporting from Shenzhen - The Ukraine Economic Security Bureau of Lviv Oblast (BEB) recently cracked down on an illegal e-cigarette sales network, seizing e-cigarettes worth over 36 million hryvnia ($870,000), Zaxid reported.

 

Illegal E-cigarette Network Busted in Ukraine: Over $87,000 Seized
On-site image | Image source: Zaxid

 

In this operation, the police conducted a total of 11 searches, involving multiple shops, warehouses, and apartments. BEB seized nearly 105,000 e-cigarettes, e-liquids, and vaporizer devices.

 

Illegal E-cigarette Network Busted in Ukraine: Over $87,000 Seized
On-site image | Image source: Zaxid

 

The investigation also found that the criminal gang was illegally selling e-cigarettes, e-liquids, and accessories at multiple sales points. The case involves the illegal production, storage, sale, or transportation of untaxed goods.

 

Relevant forensic examination is underway.

 

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

Singapore May Tighten E-Cigarette Rules as Surge Detected in Products Laced with Anesthetic Etomidate
Singapore May Tighten E-Cigarette Rules as Surge Detected in Products Laced with Anesthetic Etomidate
Singapore plans to tighten vaping laws after detecting 28 etomidate-laced e-cigarette cases in H1 2025—nearly triple 2024’s total. Despite the 2018 ban, S$41 million worth of products were seized from Jan 2024 to Mar 2025, and a UN report shows rising etomidate e-cigarette use across East and Southeast Asia.
Jul.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
American Journal of Public Health: California E-cigarette Sales Drop 37%, Illegal Menthol Disposable Products See Significant Growth
American Journal of Public Health: California E-cigarette Sales Drop 37%, Illegal Menthol Disposable Products See Significant Growth
A study published in the American Journal of Public Health shows that since California implemented a flavored tobacco ban in 2023, the average per capita nicotine sales from e-cigarettes have dropped by 37%, with cigarette sales falling by 10.6%. Illegal flavored products, such as disposable e-cigarettes, continue to circulate, with a significant increase in products marketed as 'fresh' or 'flavorless'.
Aug.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Imperial Tobacco Canada: Ban on ZONNIC Nicotine Pouches in Convenience Stores Leads to Cigarette Sales Rebound, Calls for Restoring Multi-Channel Supply
Imperial Tobacco Canada: Ban on ZONNIC Nicotine Pouches in Convenience Stores Leads to Cigarette Sales Rebound, Calls for Restoring Multi-Channel Supply
Imperial Tobacco Canada stated that one year ago, the government removed the nicotine pouch ZONNIC from convenience stores, restricting sales to behind-the-counter in pharmacies. This move caused ZONNIC sales to plummet, cigarette sales to rebound by 2.8%, and was accompanied by a surge of high-dose illegal nicotine pouches and black-market cigarettes (exceeding 500 million packs annually). The company is calling for an evidence-based harm reduction approach to restore multi-channel supply throu
Aug.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Senegal Plans to Raise Tobacco Taxes, Gains Support from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
Senegal Plans to Raise Tobacco Taxes, Gains Support from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids has expressed its appreciation for Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s decision to increase taxes on tobacco products. The measure aims to save lives and stimulate the economy, while also increasing domestic revenue to reduce the budget deficit and invest in public welfare. It is considered an effective tool to lower tobacco use, thereby reducing the health and economic damage caused by tobacco. Despite potential pressure from major tobacco companies, the
Aug.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK Report: Teen Vaping Rate Drops to 15% as 63% See E-Cigs as Equally Harmful as Smoking
UK Report: Teen Vaping Rate Drops to 15% as 63% See E-Cigs as Equally Harmful as Smoking
The UK’s Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) reports e-cigarette use among 18-year-olds dropped from 20% to 15% in 2024, with 11–15-year-olds steady at 5%. A disposable vape ban is expected to push rates lower. Meanwhile, 63% of 11–17-year-olds wrongly believe vaping is as harmful as smoking. For the first time, more youths have tried cigarettes than vapes. The IBVTA blames negative media and urges strict age checks.
Jul.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
German Customs Seize 3.3 Tons of Illegal E-Cigarettes, Causing Estimated $290,000 Tax Loss
German Customs Seize 3.3 Tons of Illegal E-Cigarettes, Causing Estimated $290,000 Tax Loss
German customs seized 3.3 tons of illegal e-cigarettes from a Dutch truck, involving over 753 liters of e-liquid. The driver and company owner face criminal charges. Estimated tax loss exceeds €245,000 ($290,000). Since July 2022, nicotine e-liquids in Germany are taxed at €0.26/ml.
Jul.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai