A large-scale scheme for the production of liquids for electronic cigarettes was exposed in Ukraine: goods worth UAH 30 million were seized

Law enforcement officers have uncovered a large-scale scheme for the illegal production and sale of liquids for electronic cigarettes, which has been operating in Ukraine since 2023. This was reported by Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko.

According to the investigation, the organized group ensured the full cycle of illegal circulation of nicotine-containing products – from production to sale.

Extensive sales network

Illegal products were sold through physical points of sale, in particular MAFs, as well as online stores. Separately, the defendants sold liquids with flavors, the use of which is prohibited in Ukraine.

More than 200 people were involved in the operation of the scheme.

Large-scale special operation

As part of the investigation, law enforcement officers conducted more than 70 simultaneous searches in Kyiv, as well as in Kyiv, Kirovohrad, Poltava, Cherkasy and Chernihiv regions.

Investigative actions were carried out at the residences of the organizers, at production facilities and at points of sale.

Tens of thousands of units of products were seized

During the searches, significant volumes of raw materials and finished products were seized, in particular:

— over 43.5 thousand flavorings;
— 30.2 thousand units of glycerin;
— 36 thousand flavor enhancers;
— 19.8 thousand cartridges;
— 3.6 thousand subsystems;
— production equipment and hundreds of liters of chemical raw materials.

Law enforcement officers also seized more than 70 thousand US dollars, computer equipment and documents confirming illegal activities.

Further investigative actions

The total value of the seized property is estimated at about 30 million UAH. These assets will be seized in the near future.

The illegal outlets through which the products were sold have already been dismantled.

A pre-trial investigation is currently underway, law enforcement officers are identifying the full range of individuals involved and preparing further procedural decisions.