Detectives of TD of the ESBU in Kyiv together with border guards, exposed and stopped the activity of a network selling counterfeit tobacco products in the territory of the capital and the region.

The investigation established a group of persons who organized the distribution of tobacco products of well-known global manufacturers with the use of counterfeit excise tax stamps as well as without them.

Wholesale delivery of counterfeit cigarettes to the capital was carried out by mail from various regions of Ukraine. The sale took place through an extensive network of shops, cafes and kiosks in the territory of Kyiv region.

During the search detectives of the ESBU seized over 148,000 packs of cigarettes with an estimated value of over UAH 12 million.

Currently the illegal activity has been stopped. Necessary investigative actions are being conducted in order to identify all involved persons.

The pre-trial investigation under Part 2 of Art. 204 and Part 3 of Art. 199 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine is carried out by the detectives of TD of the ESBU in Kyiv.

Operational support - employees of the main operational and investigative department of the "Kyiv" checkpoint of the State Border Service. Procedural management - Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office.