Ukraine Cracks Down on Illegal E-Liquid Supply Chain Worth Over $30 Million

Jun.05.2025
Ukraine Cracks Down on Illegal E-Liquid Supply Chain Worth Over $30 Million
Ukrainian law enforcement dismantled an interstate illegal e-liquid production network operating across Kharkiv and Lviv regions. Authorities seized 2.8 tons of nicotine liquid, 8.6 tons of glycerin, and 1.4 million units of vape flavorings, with the total value estimated at 1.2 billion hryvnias (approximately $31.29 million).

Key Points:

 

1.Ukrainian law enforcement agencies and security services are collaborating to crack down on the illegal manufacturing and sale network of e-liquids.

 

2.The families involved in the case organized illegal production in the Kharkiv and Lviv regions.

 

3.A total of over 2.8 tons of e-liquid containing nicotine and 1.4 million units of edible flavorings were seized.

 

4.The value of the goods involved is approximately 1.2 billion grivnas ($31.29 million), and the case is still under investigation.

 


 

According to the latest information from the Ukraine Economic Security Bureau, the main detective department of the Ukraine Economic Security Bureau (BEB) collaborated with the Ukraine Security Service (SBU) to successfully dismantle a criminal network involved in the illegal production and sale of e-liquid.

 

Suspects in Kharkiv and Lviv regions have been found to be engaged in illegal production, storage, and sale of e-liquid, pods, refill containers, and other related products. Investigation revealed that they were distributing these counterfeit products through retail outlets and wholesalers to enter the market.

 

Detectives from the Ukrainian Economic Security Bureau conducted a total of 9 searches in this operation, covering multiple warehouses, production facilities, and the residences of suspects. The search results revealed over 2.8 tons of nicotine e-liquid used for e-cigarettes, over 8.6 tons of glycerin, and nearly 1.4 million units of edible flavorings in plastic containers.

 

In addition, equipment for producing e-liquid and refilling e-cigarettes, labeling systems, electronic smoking devices, computers, cell phones, documents, and a black notebook were also found, with a total estimated value of approximately 1.2 billion grivnas ($31.29 million).

 

Currently, the case is still in the stage of investigation, with law enforcement agencies working to identify all individuals involved in the illegal activities. According to Article 28(3) and Article 204(2) of the Ukrainian Criminal Code, the suspects will face charges related to the illegal production of alcohol-containing beverages, beer, tobacco products, and other high-tax items.

 

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

FDA Foreign Tobacco Registration Proposal Could Strengthen ENDS Import Oversight, Azim Chowdhury Says
FDA Foreign Tobacco Registration Proposal Could Strengthen ENDS Import Oversight, Azim Chowdhury Says
FDA’s proposed rule requiring foreign tobacco manufacturers to register establishments and list products is more than routine paperwork, Keller and Heckman LLP partner Azim Chowdhury told 2Firsts. He said it could strengthen FDA’s import enforcement, inspections and market surveillance. Chinese e-cigarette OEM/ODM manufacturers, specification developers, brand owners and component suppliers may need to review their roles, product data and U.S. market authorization status.
Special Report
Jun.29
InterTabac 2026: First conference program highlights now available online
InterTabac 2026: First conference program highlights now available online
With three months to go before the international tobacco and nicotine industry gathers again in Dortmund, InterTabac, together with NUBIZ and InterSupply, is set to bring around 800 exhibitors from across the globe to eleven exhibition halls. The three events will showcase innovation, market trends and industry networking, while the first conference program highlights are now online, offering trade visitors keynotes, panel discussions and masterclasses to support business decision-making.
Events
Jun.22
KT&G Overseas Tobacco Revenue Jumps 24.6%, Attracting Global Capital
KT&G Overseas Tobacco Revenue Jumps 24.6%, Attracting Global Capital
South Korean tobacco company KT&G is drawing growing global investor attention after reporting record overseas tobacco sales, with international institutions including Capital Group and BlackRock increasing their stakes.
Business
May.19
ZYN ULTRA Expands Haypp’s U.S. E-Commerce Lineup With 9 mg Pouches
ZYN ULTRA Expands Haypp’s U.S. E-Commerce Lineup With 9 mg Pouches
Haypp Group said ZYN ULTRA became available nationwide in the United States on June 15 through its e-commerce platforms Nicokick.com and Northerner.com for verified adult nicotine consumers.
Jun.17
Reuters: Shopify May Ban All Vape Sales This Week Amid Illegal Market Crackdown
Reuters: Shopify May Ban All Vape Sales This Week Amid Illegal Market Crackdown
Reuters reported that Shopify may ban all vape products from its platform as soon as this week, signaling that U.S. enforcement against the illegal vape market is expanding from retailers and importers to e-commerce platforms and payment networks.
MarketBAT
Jun.23 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Opinion | As EU Reviews Tobacco Rules, Experts Warn Against Overlooking Smokers’ Alternatives
Opinion | As EU Reviews Tobacco Rules, Experts Warn Against Overlooking Smokers’ Alternatives
As the European Commission reviews its tobacco and advertising rules, two experts who provided written comments to 2Firsts argue that future EU policy should not overlook adult smokers’ alternatives. Dr Garrett McGovern and Dr Carmen Escrig say regulators should weigh relative risk, adult switching, flavours, consumer behaviour and scientific uncertainty alongside youth protection.
Industry Insight
Jun.01