A group with more than 72,000 packs of cigarettes was uncovered in the Kherson region
Law enforcement officials uncovered an organized group that was selling illegal cigarettes to various regions of Ukraine. During searches, authorities seized more than 72,000 packs of tobacco products, more than 3,000 packs with counterfeit excise stamps, cash, equipment, and a vehicle. Five members of the group have already been notified of the charges against them.
In the Kherson region, law enforcement officers uncovered an organized group involved in the illegal sale of tobacco products. According to the investigation, the scheme was organized by a resident of the Kherson region. The illegal business operated in Kryvyi Rih. Under the procedural guidance of prosecutors from the Kherson Regional Prosecutor’s Office, five members of the group were notified of the charges against them.
Investigators believe the illegal business operated from February to October 2025. The organizer recruited four other people into the scheme and assigned responsibilities among them. Cigarettes were sold via messaging apps. Buyers from various regions of Ukraine could order the goods online, after which they were shipped via postal services.
The group members had specific roles. Some took orders from buyers and monitored incoming payments. Others stored the cigarettes, packaged them, and delivered the packages to post offices.
To conceal the true organizers and the flow of money, the scheme’s participants used sole proprietorships registered under other people’s names. Additionally, according to the investigation, they used bank accounts and payment cards for transactions.
What Was Found During the Searches
During the searches, law enforcement officers seized more than 72,000 packs of cigarettes. According to investigators, the group members purchased them for resale. Among the items seized were over 3,000 packs bearing counterfeit excise tax stamps. The use of these stamps was one of the grounds for the criminal proceedings.
In addition to cigarettes, law enforcement officers found bank cards, cell phones, computer equipment, and electronic storage devices. These may contain data on orders, buyers, transactions, and other details regarding the operation of the scheme. A vehicle was also seized. According to the investigation, it may have been used to transport tobacco products. Law enforcement officers also found a significant amount of cash: $19,775, 100 euros, and 160,799 hryvnias.
What Are the Suspects Accused Of?
The actions of the five suspects have been classified under Part 3 of Article 28, Part 1 of Article 204, and Part 3 of Article 199 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. These charges relate to the illegal acquisition, storage, transportation, and sale of tobacco products, as well as the use of counterfeit excise tax stamps. The issue of imposing pretrial measures on the suspects is currently being decided.
The pretrial investigation is being conducted by investigators from the Investigative Department of the Main Directorate of the National Police in the Kherson region. However, the final assessment of the suspects’ actions rests with the court. At this stage, they are all presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. This information was reported by .
