Detectives of the ESBU in Volyn exposed a large-scale counterfeit cigarette distribution scheme

 Detectives of the Territorial Office of the ESBU in the Volyn region have exposed two local residents who organized a large-scale illegal sale of counterfeit tobacco products in the Kovel district.

The investigation established that the suspects sold cigarettes without excise tax stamps through an extensive retail and wholesale network. Furthermore, the men were not registered as business entities and lacked the necessary permits or licenses to sell excise goods.

During authorized searches, detectives identified and seized 45,500 packs of tobacco products without excise tax stamps, as well as funds obtained through criminal means in various currencies totaling nearly 300,000 UAH, along with the vehicle used to transport the counterfeit goods.

The estimated value of the seized excisable products is UAH 5.5 million. All seized property has been placed under arrest in accordance with the law.

The pre-trial investigation in the criminal proceedings, initiated under Part 1 of Article. 204 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal storage, transportation, and sale of excisable goods) is ongoing.

Operational support is provided by the Office of the Security Service of Ukraine in the Volyn region. Procedural supervision is carried out by prosecutors of the Volyn Regional Prosecutor's Office.