Russian Police Seize Over 150,000 Counterfeit E-Cigarettes Worth More Than USD 1.65 Million

Dec.09.2025
Russian Police Seize Over 150,000 Counterfeit E-Cigarettes Worth More Than USD 1.65 Million
Russian police in Tambov have detained a man for storing and selling unmarked e-cigarettes. Over 150,000 counterfeit e-cigarettes, cartridges, and e-liquids were seized, valued at more than 126.5 million rubles (approximately USD 1.65 million). Tests revealed that the nicotine content of the seized products exceeded the levels stated on their packaging. A criminal case has been opened under Article 171.1, Part 6 of the Russian Criminal Code.

Key Points

 

  • Location: Tambov region, Russia
  • Seized items: Over 150,000 unmarked e-cigarettes, e-liquids, forged documents
  • Estimated value: RUB 126.5 million (approx. USD 1.65 million)
  • Legal basis: Article 171.1, Part 6 of the Russian Criminal Code

 


 

2Firsts, December 9, 2025 – According to TASS, Russian police detained a man in Tambov for storing and selling unmarked e-cigarettes. Officers seized more than 150,000 counterfeit e-cigarettes, cartridges, and e-liquids, with a total estimated value exceeding 126.5 million rubles (approximately USD 1.39 million).

 

According to Irina Volk, official representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the suspect organized deliveries of large batches of unmarked e-cigarettes from Moscow to the Tambov region. The goods were disguised as small household appliances, and the suspect produced forged accompanying documents to legitimize the shipments.

 

Searches conducted at the suspect’s residence, in his vehicles, and at warehouse facilities led to the discovery of unmarked e-cigarettes, e-liquids, accounting documents, and other evidence.

 

Laboratory analysis confirmed that the nicotine content in the seized e-cigarettes significantly exceeded the levels declared on the packaging.

 

A criminal case has been initiated under Article 171.1, Part 6 of the Russian Criminal Code.

 

Image source: TASS News Agency

 

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

French Vape Distributor Kumulus Vape Yields About 3% as Earnings Growth Stalls
French Vape Distributor Kumulus Vape Yields About 3% as Earnings Growth Stalls
Listed French vape distributor Kumulus Vape will trade ex-dividend on June 26, 2026, and pay an annual dividend of €0.10 per share on June 30, with Simply Wall St saying the payout is covered by profit and free cash flow, while weak earnings growth remains a concern.
Industry InsightMarketNews
Jun.24
Kaival Brands Explores Nicotine Pouches as Smaller Nicotine Companies Seek Smoke-Free Growth
Kaival Brands Explores Nicotine Pouches as Smaller Nicotine Companies Seek Smoke-Free Growth
U.S. nicotine company Kaival Brands Innovations Group is exploring opportunities in nicotine pouches and other modern nicotine products, reflecting a broader shift among smaller nicotine businesses beyond traditional vaping products.
Jul.17
Argentina Updates Health Warning Rules to Include Vapes and Nicotine Pouches
Argentina Updates Health Warning Rules to Include Vapes and Nicotine Pouches
Argentina’s Ministry of Health has updated its health warning rules for tobacco and nicotine products, adding e-cigarettes, vapes, heated tobacco products, sticks and nicotine pouches to mandatory warning requirements.
Jul.08
Nicotine Pouches Lead U.S. Tobacco Growth as Vape Sales Decline
Nicotine Pouches Lead U.S. Tobacco Growth as Vape Sales Decline
New convenience store industry data show nicotine pouches have become the primary growth driver in the tobacco category, with oral nicotine sales rising nearly 30% over the past year while vape sales declined.
Business
Jun.05
Japan’s Heated Tobacco Tax Changes Reshape Consumer Choices, Survey Reveals Impact of Price and Income
Japan’s Heated Tobacco Tax Changes Reshape Consumer Choices, Survey Reveals Impact of Price and Income
A consumer survey by Japanese heated tobacco information platform RELAZO found that rising tobacco prices and planned heated tobacco tax changes may influence smoking decisions among Japanese consumers. The survey covered 49,879 men and women aged 20 to 69 nationwide. It found that around 40% of respondents cumulatively indicated they may consider quitting when a pack reaches ¥600 (approximately US$4.1), while nearly 90% expressed potential quitting intentions at a ¥1,000 (approximately US$6.8) price level. The survey also found significant differences by income level, with lower-income respondents showing greater sensitivity to price increases.
Jul.24
Philippine Customs Seizes $2.22 Million in Misdeclared Vape Products From China
Philippine Customs Seizes $2.22 Million in Misdeclared Vape Products From China
The Philippine Bureau of Customs said it intercepted nine containers of misdeclared vape and vape-related products from China at the Manila International Container Port, with an estimated value of about ₱137 millionor, about $2.22 million.
Jul.10