A large-scale scheme for the illegal production of e-liquids for electronic cigarettes was uncovered in Kyiv region. During the searches, more than 350 million hryvnias worth of finished products were seized. This was reported by the Bureau of Economic Security, UNN writes.
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It is noted that the BES detectives, together with cyber police officers, found that a group of people organized the clandestine production of liquids used in e-cigarettes in Kyiv and Kyiv region. The full cycle of mass production of counterfeit products was set up in specially equipped workshops using industrial equipment.
Manufacturers offered a wide range of products for refilling vapes. Four main components were used for e-liquids: nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin, and flavors. The products were packaged in plastic PET bottles. The finished product was distributed throughout Ukraine.
"The BES detectives and cyber police officers conducted searches at the clandestine production, warehouse and office premises. They seized 1.8 million units of e-cigarette liquid, more than 15 thousand disposable electronic devices, almost 15 thousand liters of chemical raw materials, equipment and accessories for production. In addition, more than UAH 6 million in cash and 6 vehicles were seized. The estimated value of the confiscated finished products is almost UAH 365 million," the Bureau of Economic Security said in a statement.
The pre-trial investigation is ongoing. The full range of persons involved in the illegal activity is being established.
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Director of the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise Oleksandr Ruvin saidthat due to the growing popularity, experts are increasingly conducting research on tobacco products for electric heating and e-cigarette liquids.
"Since the beginning of the year, we have been systematically assigned to examine classic tobacco products, electrically heated tobacco products, so-called HTPs, and e-cigarette liquids. The recent increase in popularity and associated risks of e-cigarettes has been even greater than that of conventional cigarettes. In almost every assigned examination, experts are provided with up to 150-200 objects, i.e. samples of the relevant products, each of which must be properly examined," Ruvin said.