According to materials from the ESBU, three suspects will be tried in Volyn for the illegal manufacture of cigarettes

 Detectives from the Territorial Office of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine in Volyn region exposed and shut down underground production and sale of excise goods.

During the pre-trial investigation, three residents of the Kovel region were identified who had organized the artisanal production of cigarettes in their own homes and utility rooms. The men ordered the necessary equipment for the manufacture of tobacco products, raw materials, and components via the Internet.

In addition, one of the suspects grew tobacco without a license and sold the raw materials through social networks.

During authorized searches, law enforcement officers seized nearly 700 kg of tobacco and cigarettes, some of which were packaged in bags and boxes, nine machines for manufacturing and grinding tobacco, and other components.

All three suspects have been notified of their suspicion of committing criminal offenses under Parts 1 and 2 of Article 204 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal manufacture, storage, and sale of excisable goods). Indictments in three criminal proceedings have been sent to court.

Operational support was provided by officers of the 6th Border Guard Detachment of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine in cooperation with employees of the Security Service of Ukraine in the Volyn region. Procedural guidance was provided by prosecutors of the Volyn Oblast Prosecutor's Office.