Over 46,000 counterfeit items worth 12.3 million UAH: ESBU busts large-scale e-cigarette and POD system trafficking ring in the capital

 Detectives of the Territorial Office of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine in Kyiv have exposed a large-scale sales channel for counterfeit electronic cigarettes and nicotine-containing products. Over 46,000 units of excisable goods, with an estimated value of approximately 12.3 million UAH, were seized from illicit circulation.

The investigation established the activities of a group of individuals who organized the illegal storage and sale of falsified e-cigarettes and e-liquids. During the pre-trial investigation in Kyiv, a series of searches were conducted, shutting down the operations of 27 illegal retail points selling the excisable products.

As a result of the investigative actions, more than 46,000 units of products were seized, including over 30,000 e-cigarette liquids; electronic cigarettes, POD systems, and cartridges; nicotine-containing liquids; as well as hookah tobacco and snus.

The estimated value of the seized counterfeit products at black market prices is approximately 12.3 million UAH.

The pre-trial investigation is ongoing. Currently, a series of forensic examinations has been scheduled, and the process of identifying the full range of individuals involved in organizing and administering the illegal activity is underway.

Operational support was provided by officers of the Strategic Investigations Department (UAR) in the city of Kyiv and of the Strategic Investigations Department (DSR) of the National Police of Ukraine, with procedural guidance provided by the Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office.

It should be noted that in accordance with Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of committing a crime and cannot be subjected to criminal punishment until their guilt is proven in accordance with the law and established by a court's guilty verdict.

As a reminder, ESBU detectives previously exposed a large-scale shadow market for vapes. Read more via the link: