Detectives of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine exposed a large-scale scheme for the sale of excise goods without excise tax stamps.

The investigation established that a group of people sold illegally produced liquids for cigarettes, electronic cigarettes and their components in several western regions.

Detectives of the ESBU simultaneously conducted more than 20 searches in warehouses, office premises and a chain of stores. As a result, more than 20,000 illegally manufactured e-cigarettes, a large number of e-cigarette refill liquids, liquid mixing kits, flavorings, smoking mix cartridges, etc., were discovered and seized.

The estimated value of the seized property is over UAH 40 million.

The pre-trial investigation under Part 2 Art. 28, Part 1 Art. 204 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine is ongoing. Necessary investigative actions are being carried out the full range of persons involved in the crime is being established.

The searches were conducted under the operational support of the Security Service of Ukraine. Procedural supervision is carried out by prosecutors of the Prosecutor General's Office.