Law enforcement officers uncovered illegal production of e-cigarette liquids in Ukraine
In Ukraine, a scheme of illegal production and sale of e-cigarette liquids, which has been active since 2023, was uncovered. Law enforcement officers conducted over 70 searches and seized products worth about 30 million hryvnias.
According to an official statement by the Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko, more than 200 people were involved in the organization of the illegal business. They ensured the entire circulation cycle of nicotine-containing liquid. During the special operation, it was established that the group was engaged in the production and sale of flavored liquids banned in Ukraine. The products were distributed through physical points of sale and online stores.
The special operation covered Kyiv and five other regions: Kyiv, Kirovohrad, Poltava, Cherkasy, and Chernihiv. During the investigative actions, tens of thousands of units of products and raw materials were seized, including flavorings, glycerin, cartridges, pods, and production equipment. More than 70 thousand dollars in cash, computer equipment, and documentation were also found.
The illegal trade kiosks through which the products were sold have already been dismantled. The property seizure enforced by law enforcement officers is intended to prevent further activity and negative impact on the shadow market of e-cigarettes in Ukraine, which is estimated at 12-13 billion hryvnias by 2025. This action is part of efforts to combat the spread of illegal goods and protect citizens’ health.
