Vinnitsia without "illegal vapor": how ESBU is eradicating the e-cigarette shadow market

 The Territorial Office of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine in the Vinnitsia region has launched a large-scale campaign to clear the region of counterfeit e-cigarette liquids. This systematic effort has resulted in a complete market restructuring—ranging from the elimination of illegal manufacturing to the closure of dozens of retail outlets.

A key success was the shutdown of a high-capacity liquid production facility directly in Vinnitsia. The underground workshop operated without licenses or permits, supplying goods across all of Ukraine.

During the searches, equipment and products valued at over UAH 20 million were seized. Authorities confiscated tens of thousands of containers filled with flavorings, nicotine, and ready-made mixtures of dubious quality.

In the last five months alone, the ESBU, in cooperation with other law enforcement agencies, has conducted approximately 100 searches covering production facilities as well as storage and retail sites. This resulted in the closure of over 60 shops across the Vinnitsia region.

The primary reason for these actions is the trade of illegally manufactured excisable goods.

At the same time, detectives have noted instances where some establishments defiantly reopened after initial seizures. A new strategy in countering this illegal activity involves holding landlords jointly liable: in addition to seizing products, authorities will consider placing the premises under arrest. Providing retail space for illegal activities may be interpreted as aiding in a crime, as the activities of such traders directly violate the Criminal Code of Ukraine and anti-tobacco laws, which prohibit the sale of e-cigarette liquids and so-called «DIY mixes» (self-mixes).

The ESBU emphasizes that the shadow market not only directly violates the law and deprives the budget of taxes but also poses a threat to consumer health due to the uncontrolled chemical composition of the liquids.

The work to clear the region continues.