Ukrainian Officials Accused of Assisting Tax Evasion Face Trial

Feb.03
Ukrainian Officials Accused of Assisting Tax Evasion Face Trial
Ukrainian officials face prosecution for assisting in smuggling e-cigarettes and evading customs fees, causing significant national losses.

According to the Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office on February 2, the Chernivtsi region prosecutor's office has recently filed a lawsuit against customs and border officials, accusing them of assisting in tax evasion and abusing their power when importing e-cigarette products, resulting in significant losses to the country.


The investigation results indicate that two Ukrainian officials from the Chernivtsi Customs, in collusion with border service personnel, assisted in the illegal importation of e-cigarette products. They deliberately turned a blind eye to the transportation of e-cigarettes from Europe to Ukraine, allowing them to smoothly pass through customs inspections. Due to these illegal activities, around 170,000 e-cigarettes were unlawfully brought into Ukraine, resulting in a loss of approximately 42 million hryvnia (about 1 million USD) in tax revenue and tariffs for the national budget.


According to Article 27(2), Article 212(3), and Article 365(3) of the Ukrainian Criminal Code, the above actions have constituted a crime. Currently, the case is being further investigated, and those responsible will face harsh legal penalties.


Original Text: 协助走私e-cigarette并逃避支付4200万乌克兰格里夫纳的海关费用——海关和边境官员将在布科维纳接受审判 Translated Text: Assisting in smuggling e-cigarettes and evading payment of 42 million Ukrainian hryvnias in customs fees - customs and border officials will face trial in Bucovina.


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

NZ Issues National High Alert on Etomidate-Laced Vapes After Hospitalisations
NZ Issues National High Alert on Etomidate-Laced Vapes After Hospitalisations
New Zealand’s High Alert drug harm monitoring system has issued a public High Alert warning after multiple hospitalisations linked to illicit vape pods containing the anaesthetic etomidate. Known on the street as space oil, k-pods, or eto, these vapes were first detected in January 2025. Customs has since seized additional samples, and clinics nationwide report rising cases of poisoning and hypoglycaemia.
Nov.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russia’s Perm Region Finalises Law Banning E-Cigarettes from March Next Year
Russia’s Perm Region Finalises Law Banning E-Cigarettes from March Next Year
The Governor of Russia’s Perm Region has confirmed that the newly adopted regional law banning vapes will take effect on March 1, 2026, despite lobbying from manufacturers and pressure from the federal level. The law prohibits the sale of all vaping products within the region, with penalties for violators, including fines for kiosks operating in residential areas.
Nov.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
 Australia NSW Police Crack Down on Illicit Tobacco Syndicate Under Strike Force Franklin
Australia NSW Police Crack Down on Illicit Tobacco Syndicate Under Strike Force Franklin
NSW Police, together with NSW Health and the Australian Border Force, seized more than 18,000 vapes, 1.9 million cigarettes, 74kg of loose-leaf tobacco and five unregistered firearms during a week of action under Strike Force Franklin. Four people were charged following coordinated raids on the Far North Coast. Police said the operation targeted organised crime networks profiting from illicit tobacco sales, with an estimated street value exceeding $2.35 million(1.54 million US dollars)..
Nov.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2025 China Shenzhen Top 500 Enterprises List: 13 E-cigarette Companies Include
2025 China Shenzhen Top 500 Enterprises List: 13 E-cigarette Companies Include
Shenzhen e-commerce companies dominate 2025 Top 500 list, including 13 e-cigarette businesses. Shenzhen FirstUnion Tech climbs 57 spots.
Oct.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
JUUL wins approval after FDA reversal of Marketing Denial Order
JUUL wins approval after FDA reversal of Marketing Denial Order
JUUL's regulatory journey from Marketing Denial Order to approval showcases FDA's evolving approach to e-cigarette oversight.
Nov.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Illegal tobacco syndicate dominates Australia’s vape market through threats and extortion
Illegal tobacco syndicate dominates Australia’s vape market through threats and extortion
Australia’s The Age has revealed that a local tobacco cartel is working with a crime syndicate to dominate the illicit vape trade. The Australian Border Force (ABF) intercepted 115,200 vapes worth A$4.5 million disguised as “furniture” at Sydney port. Authorities say over 12 million illegal vapes have been seized since 2024.
Nov.03