Tobacco gang busted: Tobacco hidden in abandoned house and shed in Karlovac
The State Prosecutor's Office (USKOK) has launched an investigation into four Croatians suspected of illegally trading in tobacco and earning nearly 49,000 euros.
Tobacco gang busted: Tobacco hidden in abandoned house and shed in Karlovac
An investigation has been launched against four citizens of the Republic of Croatia on suspicion of unlawful organised tobacco trading. The individuals were born in 1963, 1974, 1982 and 1971. According to the charges, from February to May 2026 they operated in the areas of Zagreb and Karlovac counties with the aim of unauthorised tobacco sales and obtaining illegal profit.
Investigators believe that the group members agreed to purchase substantial quantities of finely cut tobacco without proper excise stamps. They transported the goods from the capital to Karlovac, where they then resold them in that area.
According to the reconstruction of events, one of the suspects purchased tobacco in Zagreb and stored it at a secret location. He then transported it to Karlovac together with another accomplice, whilst a third driver in a separate vehicle secured the route. At pre-arranged locations, a fourth member of the group collected the shipment and stored it in an abandoned building and auxiliary farm building. There, he and a fifth participant packaged it and sold it further.
USKOK estimates that the gang resold at least one thousand and eighty kilogrammes of tobacco. Total illegal proceeds are estimated at a minimum of 48,600 euros, and the money was divided in accordance with each member's role.
The State Prosecutor's Office will seek remand in custody for two of the suspects. For the remaining two, such a request has not been filed because, as stated, there was no legal basis for it.
Source: 24sata
Source: 24sata