ESBU seizes UAH 1.5 million worth of illegal vaping products in the Vinnytsia region

 Detectives of the Territorial Office of the ESBU in the Vinnytsia region have shut down the illegal operations of four retail outlets selling e-liquid for electronic cigarettes and related products. Goods worth UAH 1.5 million were seized from illicit circulation.

The establishments sold liquids both as individual components and as ready-to-use mixtures.

As a result of the investigative actions, approximately 10,000 containers of flavorings, nicotine, and glycerin were seized, along with pod systems, replacement cartridges, cash, mobile phones, and laptops.

The total estimated value of the seized items is UAH 1.5 million.

The detectives' visit to some of these shops was prompted by citizen reports via the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine Telegram bot, StopShadowBot. This resource became operational at the end of October last year, enabling the public to report criminal offenses within the ESBU's jurisdiction, including violations related to the purchase or sale of household appliances, electronics, and excise goods.

The pre-trial investigation is ongoing to identify the full circle of individuals involved in organizing the illegal supply and sale scheme.

Operational support is provided by personnel from the 24th Mohyliv-Podilskyi Border Detachment named after Hero of Ukraine Senior Lieutenant Vyacheslav Semenov. Procedural oversight is conducted by the Vinnytsia Regional Prosecutor's Office.