Illegal full-cycle cigarette factory shut down in Riga — 18 detained
Police in Riga have shut down an operating illegal cigarette factory, detaining 18 people. Counterfeit products bearing the brands Marlboro, Winston and Davidoff have been identified; losses amount to several million euros.
Illegal cigarette factory discovered in Riga — 18 Ukrainian and Moldovan citizens detained
The Tax and Customs Police, together with the State Police, have conducted a surprise operation on a full-cycle illegal cigarette factory in Riga during its operation, reports Google News LV — Crime (lv). At the time of the inspection, equipment was in working mode, and 18 people employed there attempted to flee, ignoring lawful orders from authorities.
All 18 detained individuals — primarily Ukrainian and Moldovan citizens — have been classified as illegally employed persons. They have been remanded in custody. Sleeping quarters were also found on the premises.
Equipment and raw materials
The factory contained two cigarette production lines — for slim and standard cigarettes — as well as a tobacco shredder, dryer and cutter, and packaging lines for cigarette packs and blocks. On site were all necessary raw materials: tobacco, filters, glue, foil, films and pack templates.
In addition to production equipment, forged Belarusian excise stamps were discovered at the facility, which had been affixed to illegally manufactured cigarettes to deceive both end consumers and law enforcement authorities. The identified counterfeits concerned several well-known brands — Marlboro, Winston, NZ, Davidoff, Parliament and Minsk.
Economic damage and logistics
The halt of illegal production, according to investigators' estimates, prevented damage to the economic interests of Latvia and the European Union amounting to several million euros.
Initial information suggests that the criminal group used vehicles with forged registration plates and mechanically damaged VIN numbers to conceal its activities and impede detection.
Broader significance in EU context
The discovery confirms operational information that so-called Belarus-origin cigarettes are being partly manufactured within the European Union. In international studies on illicit cigarette distribution in the EU, based on empty pack surveys, Belarus-origin products are classified as contraband imports — however, this finding indicates that the true scope of counterfeits in Europe is larger, but actual contraband is smaller, than previously estimated.
Criminal proceedings initiated
The Tax and Customs Police have initiated criminal proceedings under the third part of Article 221 of the Criminal Law for suspected illegal manufacture of tobacco products. Pre-trial investigation continues to establish all the circumstances. Detailed information is not being disclosed at this time in the interests of the investigation.
In accordance with Article 19 of the Criminal Procedure Law, no person shall be presumed guilty until their guilt has been proven in the manner prescribed by law.
Source: Google News LV — Crime (lv)