ESBU eliminates underground cigarette workshop in Kyiv region: industrial equipment and raw materials seized

 Detectives of the Territorial Office of the ESBU in the Kyiv region exposed an underground workshop for the mass production of cigarettes. Industrial equipment and raw materials worth over 2.2 million UAH were seized from the suspects.

The investigation revealed that a group of individuals had established a full-fledged production workshop on the private household's property in the Brovary district. Industrial lines operated there, allowing for the production of over 4,000 packs of cigarettes per day. The finished products, without excise stamps, were sold under the guise of well-known brands – some were sold in the Kyiv region, while others were sent to buyers by mail in other regions.

ESBU detectives, along with operatives from the State Border Guard Service, conducted searches at the production premises and the suspects' residences. Equipment, tobacco, filters, raw materials, and significant volumes of finished products were seized.

The estimated value of the seized material assets exceeds 2.2 million UAH.

"The ESBU systematically and consistently counteracts the shadow market of excisable goods. In total, since the beginning of the year, ESBU detectives in the Kyiv region have seized excisable products worth almost 75 million UAH from illegal circulation," noted the head of the detective unit, Mykola Ulmer.

The pre-trial investigation is ongoing under the signs of a criminal offense provided for by Art. 204 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal manufacture, storage, transportation, excisable goods).

The full circle of persons involved in the illegal activities is being established.

Operational support is provided by employees of the OKPP "Kyiv" of the State Border Guard Service, procedural guidance - by the Kyiv Regional Prosecutor's Office.