Batch of smuggled cigarettes seized in Ukraine's Zakarpattia "largest in country's history" (Video)

In Ukraine's far western Zakarpattia region, law enforcers exposed the scheme of large-scale illegal imports into Ukraine of tobacco products manufactured in other countries with the aim of their further, and also illegal, transportation to the European Union.

That's according to a State Bureau of Investigation.

"Preliminary data say that the cigarettes of famous world brands without excise tax stamps were distributed with the assistance of certain law enforcement officials. Tobacco products were distributed in the so-called 'black' market of Ukraine, as well as smuggled into the EU countries," reads the statement released Saturday, June 29.

During a search in one of the warehouses in the city of Mukachevo, investigators of the State Bureau of Investigation discovered and seized boxes of cigarettes without excise tax stamps. "At the same time, operatives were tipped about trucks parked nearby, also loaded with cigarettes of unknown origin without corresponding excise stamps," the report said.

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On June 27-29, SBI investigators together with SBU operatives conducted 11 searches of these vehicles. “The largest batch of smuggled cigarettes in the history of independent Ukraine was seized. According to tentative estimates, the batch could cost UAH 70 million (US$2.67 million). In addition, 13 trucks were identified that had transported excisable goods.

The investigation is underway.