SBU prevents cigarette smuggling

The SBU has exposed illegal import of consignments with foreign cigarettes amounting to almost UAH 10 m. (USD 357,142).

The smugglers exported goods from Southern Europe and entered a Central Asia country as a delivery point into the documents. In fact, they planned to import the cigarettes to Ukraine and sell it via affiliated retail outlets.

SBU officers detained the smugglers’ vehicle at the Porubne checkpoint in Chernivtsi region. Over 750,000 packs of cigarettes were found in the truck.

Within the criminal proceedings, investigative actions are underway to establish all the circumstances of the offense and bring to justice people involved in the illegal activities.

The operation was carried out by the SBU Main Department for Combating Corruption and Organized Crime jointly with investigators of the SBU Main Office in Kyiv and Kyiv region under the supervision of Kyiv Region Prosecutor's Office.

The Security Service of Ukraine systematically combats smuggling that pose a threat to national security.