Illegal trade in Chernivtsi vape shops: the case of one entrepreneur sent to court

 An entrepreneur whose activities were uncovered during an investigation into illegal trade in vape shops will stand trial in Chernivtsi. Detectives of the Territorial Office of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine in the Chernivtsi region have completed the criminal proceedings regarding this suspect and sent the indictment to the court.

The investigation established that the man, operating without a valid license, purchased, stored, and sold hookah tobacco, e-cigarettes, and e-liquids. He sold these products through retail spaces at the Kalynivskyi Market in Chernivtsi.

During the searches, detectives seized over 500 bottles of e-liquids, more than 500 packs of hookah tobacco, e-cigarettes, and other products without excise tax stamps from the businessman. According to the expert evaluation, the seized excise goods did not comply with the requirements and standards established in Ukraine.

Currently, the businessman is accused of illegal acquisition for the purpose of sale, storage, and sale of illegally manufactured excise goods (Part 1 of Article 204 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

As a reminder, ESBU detectives previously conducted a series of searches at retail outlets in Chernivtsi that sold illegal vapes and e-liquids. At that time, products worth over 2.3 million UAH were seized. Currently, the case against the aforementioned entrepreneur is among the first proceedings in this investigation to be sent to the court.

The Chernivtsi Regional Prosecutor's Office provided procedural guidance for the case.

Please note that under Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of a crime and cannot be subjected to criminal punishment until their guilt is legally proven and established by a court verdict of guilt.