Detectives of the Territorial Department Economic Security Bureau in Chernivtsi region seized counterfeit cigarettes worth UAH 1.5 million from illegal circulation.

The investigation established a group of persons who organized the illegal purchase, storage, transportation and sale of cigarettes without excise tax stamps in Chernivtsi. Counterfeit products were distributed through retail outlets on Kalinivskyi market in Chernivtsi. The detectives searched and seized more than 22 thousand packs of illegally manufactured tobacco products, 130 electronic cigarettes, UAH 35 thousand received from the sale of illegally manufactured tobacco products, and mobile phones. The total value of the seized illegally manufactured goods is over UAH 1.5 million.

The pre-trial investigation in the criminal proceedings on the grounds of a criminal offense stipulated by Part 1 Art. 204 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal purchase for sale or storage for this purpose, as well as sale or transportation for sale of illegally manufactured tobacco products, tobacco or other excisable goods) is being conducted by detectives of the Territorial Department ESBU in Chernivtsi region with the operational support of the Strategic investigations department in Chernivtsi region of the Strategic investigations department of the National Police of Ukraine.

For reference: The cost of excisable goods seized by detectives of the ESBU in May amounted to UAH 204.2 million.

As a reminder, detectives of the Territorial Department ESBU in Zakarpattia region served a notice of suspicion to the person involved in criminal proceedings for illegal sale of hookah tobacco and e-cigarettes including those with excise stamps of the russian federation and sent the case to court.