The SBU blocked illegal sale of counterfeit tobacco products. The law enforcement seized goods and equipment worth almost UAH 8.4 million (USD 300,000).

The SBU documented that a group of local residents set up the illegal business. The suspects produced and sold counterfeit cigarettes without excise stamps under the guise of well-known world brands.

Allegedly, the dealers were selling the goods wholesale and retail.

During the searches of the warehouses in Mykolaiv downtown, the law enforcement seized:

• 100,000 packs of ready-made counterfeit cigarettes;
• tobacco of unknown origin;
• equipment for manufacturing counterfeit goods;
• draft accounting records and computers.

The criminal proceedings were initiated upon unlawful manufacturing, storage and sale of excisable goods. The investigation is ongoing to identify and bring to justice all those involved in the illegal activity.

The operation was carried out together with the Main Office of the State Fiscal Service in Mykolaiv region, under the supervision of Mykolaiv Regional Prosecutor's Office.