ESBU detectives in the Vinnytsia region refer the illegal cigarette trade case to court

 Detectives of the Territorial Office of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine in the Vinnytsia region have referred an indictment to court against a local resident who organized the illegal sale of tobacco products.

The investigation established that the suspect purchased batches of illicitly manufactured cigarettes over the internet and sold them at a local market. He was not registered as a business entity and did not possess a license to trade in excise goods.

Detectives have shut down the illegal operation. During searches conducted at the man’s residence, officers seized over 10,000 packs of tobacco products, including those bearing well-known brand labels as well as items packaged in zip-lock bags.

The total value of the seized goods exceeds UAH 1 million.

The suspect has been formally notified of charges for committing a criminal offense under Part 1 of Article 204 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — the illegal acquisition, storage, and sale of illicitly manufactured tobacco products.

The criminal proceedings, along with the indictment, have been referred to court.

Operational support was provided by the Security Service of Ukraine in the Vinnytsia region and the Strategic Investigations Department of the National Police of Ukraine. The Vinnytsia Regional Prosecutor's Office is providing prosecutorial oversight.