Vape counterfeit worth millions: ESBU closes chain of stores in Kyiv

 Detectives from the Territorial Office of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine in Kyiv have terminated the operations of the "Vape shoper" network of stores, which were selling illegally manufactured liquids for electronic cigarettes.

During the pre-trial investigation, it was established that these retail outlets were storing and selling nicotine-containing liquids that were produced outside the legal framework and without the necessary permits.

During the searches, ESBU detectives seized over 2,000 units of such products. The estimated value of the seized goods is about 1 million UAH. The operation of all five stores has been suspended.

The pre-trial investigation is ongoing regarding signs of criminal offenses under Part 1 of Article 204 and Part 1 of Article 209 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal circulation of excisable goods and laundering of criminally obtained proceeds).

Procedural guidance is being provided by the Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office.