The ESBU in the Volyn region has referred a case involving a large-scale counterfeit cigarette distribution scheme to court

 Detectives of the Territorial Office of the ESBU in the Volyn region have completed a pre-trial investigation into two residents of the Kovel district who organized the large-scale illegal sale of tobacco products without excise tax stamps.

The investigation established that the individuals organized the distribution of counterfeit cigarettes through a wholesale and retail trade network in the Kovel district. These activities were carried out without state registration, permits, or licenses to sell excise goods.

Detectives conducted authorized searches of the garage and utility premises. As a result, they seized 45,500 packs of tobacco products without excise tax stamps and cash in various currencies equivalent to nearly UAH 300,000.

The value of the seized excisable goods is approximately UAH 5.5 million. All seized property has been placed under arrest in accordance with the procedure established by law.

The suspects have been notified of suspicion of committing a criminal offense under Part 1 of Article 212 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal storage, transportation, and sale of excise goods). The case has been referred to court.

Operational support was provided by the Security Service of Ukraine in the Volyn region. Procedural guidance was handled by the Volyn Regional Prosecutor's Office.