ESBU in the Vinnytsia region has dismantled a criminal group involved in the illegal manufacture of cigarettes

 Detectives of the Territorial Office of the ESBU in the Vinnytsia region have referred to court indictments against three local residents who organized the illegal production and sale of tobacco products.

The pretrial investigation established that the cigarettes were manufactured in a garage facility, in violation of production technology and sanitary standards. Specifically purchased equipment allowed for the manufacturing of the illicit goods on an industrial scale.

During searches at the production and storage sites of the counterfeit goods, detectives seized equipment, finished products, and raw materials, including over 14,000 filter cigarettes, more than 500 packs of tobacco products disguised as domestic and foreign brands, approximately 100,000 cigarette tubes, 18 bags of tobacco, as well as plastic barrels and bottles filled with a liquid having a characteristic odor of alcohol.

All three members of the group have been notified of suspicion of committing criminal offenses under Part 2 of Art. 28, Part 2 of Art. 204; Parts 2 and 3 of Art. 27, Part 3 of Art. 28, and Part 1 of Art. 204 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal manufacture of tobacco products, their storage for the purpose of sale, and sale, committed by an organized group, as well as the acquisition and storage of alcoholic beverages for the purpose of sale).

The criminal proceedings have been referred to court with indictments.

Operational support was provided by officers of the SSU Office in the Vinnytsia region and the Strategic Investigations Department of the National Police of Ukraine. Prosecutorial guidance is provided by the Vinnytsia Regional Prosecutor's Office.