Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine: counterfeit nicotine mixes and e-cigarette e-liquids seized, valued at over US$276,000

Key Takeaways

• Location: Khmelnytskyi region, Ukraine

• Enforcement: 50+ authorized searches at residences, shops, office and warehouse premises

• Seizures: 60,000+ units of nicotine, flavorings, glycerin and tobacco-related products with questionable excise markings

• Cash: over UAH 3 million (about US$69,000) seized

• Valuation: total seized value exceeds UAH 12 million (about US$276,000

• Broader activity: 150+ searches since July 2025; 170,000+ units seized; 100+ tons of tobacco, leaves and equipment seized

2Firsts, January 14, 2026 – According to UNN, authorities in Ukraine’s Khmelnytskyi region seized counterfeit nicotine-containing mixtures and e-cigarette e-liquids with a total value exceeding UAH 12 million (about US$276,000) and reported seizing over UAH 3 million (about US$69,000) in cash. 

The Prosecutor General’s Office said law enforcement stopped a group that sold illegally produced nicotine-containing mixtures and e-cigarette e-liquids through specialized shops without licenses and permit documents. More than 50 authorized searches were conducted at the suspects’ residences, as well as in shops, office premises and warehouse premises.

During the searches, authorities said they seized more than 60,000 units of nicotine, flavorings, glycerin and tobacco-related products bearing excise tax stamps of questionable origin, as well as handwritten notes, computer equipment and over UAH 3 million (about US$69,000). The total value of the seized items was reported as exceeding UAH 12 million (about US$276,000).

The Khmelnytskyi Regional Prosecutor’s Office is providing procedural supervision in a criminal proceeding concerning alleged illegal storage for sale and sale of illegally produced excisable goods and alleged laundering of criminal proceeds, cited as Criminal Code Art. 204(1) and Art. 209(1). The Prosecutor General’s Office said motions have been filed in court to arrest the seized property, and the issue of appointing necessary forensic examinations is being resolved.

The office also cited broader enforcement activity since July 2025, including 150+ authorized searches, the seizure of 170,000+ units of illegally produced products ready for sale (nicotine, flavorings, glycerin), the disruption of an underground tobacco production site, and the seizure of more than 100 tons of tobacco, tobacco leaves and production equipment.

Image source: UNN