Online cigarette sales scheme via Telegram channels: ESBU detectives in Kyiv expose group of organizers

 Detectives of the Territorial Office of the ESBU in Kyiv have exposed and shut down a group of individuals selling illegally manufactured cigarettes. The sales were conducted through a Telegram channel.

According to the investigation, a Kyiv resident created several Telegram channels to post advertisements for cigarettes at prices significantly lower than those in legal retail outlets. The low cost was attributed to the fact that the products were manufactured illegally and sold without tax payments.

After receiving orders, the suspects processed the requests, prepared the packages, and shipped them to various regions of Ukraine via the branches of a well-known postal company.

During the investigation, detectives conducted searches of a vehicle located near a postal company branch, as well as a warehouse where the products were stored.

ESBU detectives seized over 200 parcels containing more than 12,000 packs of illicitly sourced cigarettes. The estimated value of the products exceeds UAH 1.2 million.

A pre-trial investigation is currently ongoing under Part 1 of Article 204 and Part 2 of Article 199 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal manufacture and sale of excise goods, as well as manufacture or sale committed by a group of persons or in large quantities).

All individuals involved in the organization and operation of the illegal tobacco trafficking scheme are being identified.

Procedural oversight is provided by the prosecutors of the Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office.