The detectives of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine conducted urgent searches of places of illegal production of counterfeit tobacco products in Zakarpattia and Mykolaiv regions.

The estimated total value of the confiscated goods and material values is 70 million UAH.

In particular, based on the results of joint searches with the participation of SSU employees and border guards in the Mykolaiv region, ESBU detectives seized two lines for the production of tobacco products of various brands with an estimated cost of UAH 10 million each. One of them was already working, the second was being prepared for launch.

A machine for packing cigarettes into packs, a device for drying and grinding tobacco and a machine for packing cigarettes were also seized.

In addition, 114 boxes of ready-made cigarettes, various brands without excise tax stamps with an estimated value of UAH 2.7 million, 10 bags of tobacco, etc., were found.

In Zakarpatia region, as a result of searches, a line for the illegal production of full-cycle tobacco products worth about UAH 15 million, finished tobacco products of various brands about 5 tons of tobacco and 7 tons of crushed tobacco with a total approximate value of UAH 3 million, 7 boxes of excise stamps, a packaging and vintage line.

In addition, counterfeit excise tax stamps of the Republic of Moldova, various packages, components for the manufacture of cigarettes and other goods and material values necessary for the full cycle of cigarette production were seized.

Pre-trial investigation in criminal proceedings on the grounds of criminal offenses provided for in Part 3 of Art. 28, Part 2 of Art. 204, Part 3 of Art. 212 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine is carried out by detectives of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine under the procedural guidance of prosecutors of the Office of the Prosecutor General.

We will remind you that the detectives of the ESBU are investigating a case of tax evasion by a tobacco company in the amount of over UAH 270 million. The general director of the tobacco company was informed about the suspicion.