The Bureau of Economic Security of Ukraine has uncovered a large-scale distribution channel for counterfeit electronic cigarettes and nicotine-containing products in Kyiv. More than 46,000 units of excisable goods with an estimated value of about UAH 12.3 million were seized from illegal circulation.
According to investigation data, a group of individuals organized the illegal storage and sale of counterfeit electronic cigarettes and liquids for them. As part of the pre-trial investigation, searches were conducted in Kyiv and 27 points of illegal sale of excisable products were closed.
Among the seized items were more than 30,000 liquids for electronic cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, POD systems, cartridges, nicotine-containing liquids, hookah tobacco, and snus.
“A number of forensic examinations have been scheduled at the moment. The full circle of persons involved in illegal activities is being established,” the Bureau of Economic Security of Ukraine reported.
Earlier, detectives of the territorial department of the Bureau of Economic Security of Ukraine in Poltava exposed a scheme for the sale of excisable products through 14 points of sale. There, according to the agency, illegal electronic cigarettes and liquids were sold without excise stamps, licenses and fiscal checks.
The Bureau of Economic Security of Ukraine also reported the termination of the activities of an organized group that had established a full cycle of illegal production and sale of vapes. The investigation of the Kyiv sales channel is ongoing.
