For uninterrupted operation, the facility was equipped with everything necessary, including industrial generators.
Detectives of the Main Detective Unit of the Bureau of Economic Security (BEB) together with the Territorial Department in Kyiv stopped the activities of a group that had established illegal cigarette production on an industrial scale. The clandestine factory was located in the Chernivtsi region and was equipped with two production lines, each of which produced about 5,000 cigarettes per minute. Thus, the daily volume reached approximately 720,000 packs, and the monthly profit exceeded UAH 1 billion. Dengi.ua reports this with reference to the press service of the department. The PromPolitInform portal informs.
The BEB notes that this is the largest illegal cigarette production detected since the establishment of the department. According to the investigation, about 40 people were involved in organizing the underground business. They manufactured filter cigarettes, disguising the products as well-known international brands.
It is reported that the production was set up in a warehouse in Chernivtsi. Industrial equipment was placed there, ensuring a full cycle of product manufacturing. For uninterrupted operation, the facility was equipped with everything necessary, including industrial generators. In addition, conditions were created on site for the accommodation of employees, which made it possible to maintain a 24-hour work regime.
During the searches, law enforcement officers seized two full-cycle lines for the production and packaging of cigarettes, 750 thousand packs of finished products of various brands, 149 boxes of fermented tobacco, as well as packaging materials, cigarette paper, filter sticks and printing products. The total estimated cost of the seized equipment and goods exceeds UAH 200 million.
