In Odesa region, the Security Service of Ukraine cracked down on two large-scale schemes of cigarettes smuggling. According to preliminary estimates, the cost of seized goods from the first scheme amounts to UAH 27m. (USD 1m), from the second scheme – UAH 13m. (USD 50,000).

The first smuggling scam was to transport cigarettes from Ukraine to EU member states. The second was the illegal import of tobacco products to Ukraine from the South Asia. And, in the latter case, the offenders tried to import them under the guise of bicycle tires.

Regarding the first scam:

The operatives obtained information that the offenders planned to transport a huge batch of counterfeit cigarettes through one of the Odesa customs points. The production was to be transported by barge to Hungary, concealing cigarettes in bags with table salt.

Yet the SSU officers established the location of counterfeit batch.

During the examination of warehouse that belongs to private enterprise, in the Ismail customs point area, the law enforcement exposed almost 1.5m. packs of cigarettes without excise tax stamps and any information regarding the producer.

The information regarding involvement of Odesa customs officials is being examined.

Currently the criminal proceeding of abuse of authority or office is initiated.

The operation was conducted jointly with the State Border Guard Service and the State Bureau of Investigations under the procedural supervision of Odesa Region Prosecutor’s Office.

Regarding illegal import of cigarettes under the guise of bicycle tires:

According to preliminary information, container with the batch of counterfeit production arrived at Odesa Sea Trade Port from one of the South Asian countries at the address of local importer enterprise.

During the examination the law enforcement exposed more than 1000 packs of cigarettes of foreign production without excise tax stamps. Herewith, according to bill of entry and shipping documentation the container should have been loaded with import bicycle tires.

Currently the issue of initiating the criminal proceeding to identify all the individuals involved is being settled.

The operation was conducted by the SSU Office in Odesa region jointly with the State Border Guard Service, the State Customs Service, the Department of Strategic Investigations of the National Police under the procedural supervision of Odesa Region Prosecutor’s Office.