Almost two tons of counterfeit tobacco - members of an organized criminal group who set up clandestine production will be tried
Kyiv • UNN
In Poltava region, law enforcement officers seized almost two tons of counterfeit shredded tobacco from an organized criminal group that set up illegal production and sale of tobacco products.
In Poltava region, the pre-trial investigation into a criminal group that organized the illegal production and sale of shredded tobacco has been completed. During the searches, law enforcement officers seized almost two tons of counterfeit goods. This was reported by the Bureau of Economic Security , UNN wrote.
According to the BES, the investigation identified four Poltava residents who, as part of an organized criminal group, processed leaf tobacco using special equipment. Subsequently, without the appropriate permits, the finished products were packaged for further sale.
The members of the criminal group shipped counterfeit products throughout Ukraine from a warehouse in a neighboring region
"Detectives conducted 16 authorized searches at the suspects' warehouses and residences. As a result, more than 1.7 tons of shredded tobacco in bags and equipment for its processing were seized," the BES said.
They added that the case file with the indictment has now been sent to court.
Additionally
Director of the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise Oleksandr Ruvin in an exclusive interview with UNN said that without practical use, new tools to combat the illegal tobacco market will not be effective.
"At one time, we had an idea to create a thematic register of manufacturers. The State Tax Service provided us with a list of companies licensed to sell tobacco products - more than 50 representatives. The companies were supposed to provide us with reference product samples. We received some of the information, but this work is not being used as effectively as it could be. In addition, the experts have all the technical capabilities to conduct direct monitoring visits to production facilities. The steps are simple: the arrival of experts, production of several packs in their presence, prompt analysis of all characteristics on site (tobacco, packaging, filter elements, other components and their signs), and a conclusion here and now. Resolutions on the appointment of expert examinations to investigate the facts of illegal tobacco production are now being issued in the amount of dozens a day, and the state must have clarity on this issue," Ruvin said.
