The ESBU has uncovered an underground tobacco production facility in the Ternopil region: over 5 tons of products were seized

 Detectives of the Main Detective Unit of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine have shut down the operations of a group of individuals who organized the illegal manufacture and storage of tobacco raw materials in the Ternopil region. More than 5 tons of tobacco products and processing equipment were seized from illegal circulation.

According to the investigation, the suspects set up an underground production facility on private property in the Chortkiv district. Equipment for processing tobacco leaves—including shredding, drying, and packaging units—was placed in a hangar and greenhouses. The individuals did not possess any permits for the production or circulation of tobacco.

They planned to sell the resulting products across Ukraine, specifically via the Internet using postal carriers.

During authorized searches, ESBU detectives seized shredding, drying, and packaging equipment; over 5 tons of raw materials; and mobile phones containing information regarding its purchase and sale.

The pretrial investigation in the criminal proceedings under Part 3 of Article 204 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal manufacture, storage, and sale of excise goods committed in large volumes) is ongoing.

Procedural oversight of the criminal proceedings is carried out by prosecutors of the Office of the Prosecutor General.