Detectives of the main detective unit of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine reported the suspicion under Part 3 of Art. 27, Part 3 of Art. 28, Part 2 of Art. 204 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine to three more persons who, as part of an international organized criminal group, illegally manufactured cigarettes on an industrial scale. In total, the group included 6 citizens of Ukraine and a citizen of Moldova.

The suspects purchased special industrial equipment and established an underground production of tobacco products in the city of Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, Odesa region.

Counterfeit goods were sold both on the territory of Ukraine and in the countries of the European Union.

During the searches, detectives seized a cigarette production line, a machine for packing tobacco products into packs, other equipment, and 2.2 tons of tobacco. Almost 400,000 packs of cigarettes without excise tax stamps were also confiscated.

As previously reported, 4 persons of the mentioned group were previously notified of suspicion. Shortly, preventive measures will be chosen for them. The pre-trial investigation in the criminal proceedings continues.

Procedural management is carried out by prosecutors of the General Prosecutor's Office. Operational support - Security Service of Ukraine.

We will remind you, that during 2023 detectives of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine seized excise goods and equipment for their production worth more than UAH 4 billion.