Sale of counterfeit cigarettes via the Internet: ESBU in Bukovyna completes investigation

 Detectives of the Territorial Office of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine in the Chernivtsi region have completed a pre-trial investigation into a local resident who organized the illegal storage and sale of a large shipment of cigarettes.

The investigation established that a well-organized distribution channel for counterfeit cigarettes and tobacco operated in the border district. To complicate detection, the organizer stored the products in various warehouses and residential premises, dividing them into separate batches.

The sale of counterfeit goods was conducted via the internet. Customers ordered products through messaging apps, after which the suspect dispatched the orders through postal services across Ukraine.

During the searches, ESBU detectives seized 76,500 packs of well-known cigarette brands, a vehicle, and packaging components: 800 kg of shredded fermented tobacco, nearly 1 million cigarette filter tubes, and approximately 400 boxes of printed packaging materials.

The estimated value of the seized excise goods is approximately UAH 7 million.

The suspect has been notified of suspicion under Article 204, Part 1, of the Criminal Code of Ukraine—illegal storage and sale of excise goods.

The pre-trial investigation has been completed, and the indictment has been sent to court.

Operational support was provided by the 31st Border Guard Detachment of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine and the Security Service of Ukraine in the Chernivtsi region.

Procedural oversight is conducted by the prosecutors of the Chernivtsi Regional Prosecutor's Office.