Key points:
·Massive illegal e-cigarette case: Ukraine has uncovered a large-scale case involving the illegal production and sale of disposable e-cigarettes, with the amount involved reaching 50 million hryvnias (approximately $1.21 million).
·Underground production network: The operation dismantled a vast underground production network that covered the entire chain of production, packaging, logistics, and sales, involving around 300 individuals.
·Product quality risks: Illegally produced e-cigarettes lack quality control, posing a potential threat to consumers' health.
·Multiple searches and arrests: Law enforcement officers conducted over 40 searches in Kyiv, Rivne, and other locations, seizing more than 276,000 illegal e-cigarette products and related production equipment, with several individuals involved in the case being arrested.
Legal consequences: Organizers could face up to 12 years of imprisonment, with the investigation still ongoing.
According to OBOZ.UA, on August 7, Ukraine uncovered a large-scale case involving the illegal production and sales of disposable e-cigarettes. The operation targeted a vast underground production network, with the products involved valued at 50 million hryvnias (approximately $1.21 million).
Law enforcement officers successfully shut down the operation of an underground factory in this operation. The unauthorized illegal production facility manufactured millions of hryvnias worth of e-cigarettes, related e-liquid, and accessories each month. It is estimated that seven production lines were involved, with products being sold through retail outlets in shopping and entertainment centers across Ukraine as well as online stores. The operation by the Ukrainian Security Service (BEB) also covered multiple regions. Law enforcement officers conducted over 40 searches in Kyiv, Kyiv Oblast, and Rivne Oblast.
The seized items are as follows:
More than 276,000 illegal disposable e-cigarette products, including flavors, e-liquid, pods, and packaging, were seized. The products were being produced on 7 production lines using approximately 6,000 liters of ingredients such as glycerin, propylene glycol, flavors, and nicotine.
According to the relevant department, it is estimated that more than 300 people are involved in this underground business operation. They are responsible for the full chain operation from production to packaging, logistics, and sales. The production of these illegal products lacks quality control, posing a potential threat to consumer health.
According to preliminary investigations, individuals organizing this illegal activity could face up to 12 years in prison. Currently, the investigation is still ongoing, and government authorities are focused on identifying the organizers of this criminal activity and their financial dealings.
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