Clandestine e-liquid production worth 3.25 million UAH: ESBU uncovers scheme in the Lviv region

 In Lviv, a clandestine e-cigarette liquid manufacturing operation has been uncovered. During the searches, detectives from the Territorial Office of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine in the Lviv region seized over 15,000 units of products and containers. The estimated value of the seized goods is 3.25 million UAH.

The investigation established that the suspect organized the manufacturing of excisable goods—specifically, liquids for electronic cigarettes. The finished products were sold through a retail network and shipped to buyers by mail.

During the searches, detectives seized over 6,000 containers of e-cigarette liquids, nearly 6,000 containers and packaging vessels, and over 3,500 POD systems and matching cartridges. Mobile phones, computer equipment, and accounting documentation were also seized.

The estimated value of the seized products is 3.25 million UAH.

By order of the Lychakivskyi District Court of Lviv, a freeze has been placed on the seized assets (the property has been placed under arrest). Expert examinations are currently ongoing, and subsequent procedural decisions will be made based on their results.

The pre-trial investigation is being conducted under Part 2 of Article 204 (illegal manufacturing, storage, sale, or transportation for sale of excisable goods) and Part 1 of Article 199 (illegal manufacturing, counterfeiting, use, or sale of control marks or excise tax stamps) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

Prosecutorial guidance is provided by prosecutors of the Lviv Regional Prosecutor's Office, with operational support provided by the Main Directorate of the SSU in the Lviv Region.

Pursuant to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of committing a crime until their guilt is proven through legal procedures and established by a court's verdict of conviction.