Romanian-Moldovan cigarette smuggling network dismantled: €11 million loss
A criminal group concealed contraband cigarettes in lorries carrying fruit and vegetables. The estimated loss amounts to 11 million euros.
Cigarettes hidden in vegetable lorries: Romanian-Moldovan network dismantled
A criminal network comprising Romanian and Moldovan citizens has been dismantled following a major investigation into tobacco product smuggling, according to Cotidianul.ro. Members of the group concealed cigarettes in shipments of fruit and vegetables, according to Border Police.
The mechanism was carefully orchestrated: lorries loaded with food products crossed the border without raising suspicion, whilst cigarettes were hidden amongst ordinary produce. The method aimed to hinder the identification of illegal goods at border controls.
Investigators estimate that the loss to the state budget amounts to approximately 11 million euros, a sum representing unpaid taxes and excise duties on tobacco products sold on the black market. The group is believed to have operated over an extended period, pursuing significant profits from the sale of cigarettes without compulsory tax markings.
Members of the network were involved in procuring, transporting and distributing cigarettes. The investigation was coordinated by structures specialising in combating organised crime and smuggling, with police and prosecutors documenting the group's activity and identifying multiple individuals involved in the illegal operation.
During the operation, searches were carried out, with authorities seeking both evidence demonstrating criminal activity and goods and sums of money suspected of deriving from smuggling. The complete route of the goods and the final destination of the products are to be established during the course of the investigation, which continues.
Tobacco product smuggling represents one of the principal sources of loss for the state budget and also affects traders operating legally, who are obliged to bear taxes and excise duties which traffickers evade.
All persons under investigation benefit from the rights and guarantees provided for by law, including the presumption of innocence until a final court ruling is delivered.
Source: Cotidianul.ro