The investigation conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation Police and the Border Guard led officers to an international smuggling group made up of Polish, Lithuanian, and Armenian citizens. According to investigators, the group may be responsible for smuggling 6.5 million packs of illegal cigarettes worth over 190 million PLN.
According to findings by officers of the Central Bureau of Investigation Police and the Border Guard, the criminal activity was carried out in 2020-2021 and involved organizing shipments of cigarettes from Belarus through Lithuania to Poland, and then their further distribution within the European Union.
The group was allegedly composed of citizens of Poland, Lithuania, and Armenia. As a result of a coordinated simultaneous operation targeting suspects and locations used for illegal activity, a total of seven people were arrested – six Polish citizens and one Armenian citizen.
Stolen vehicles recovered
Illegal cigarettes and e-cigarettes without Polish excise stamps were also seized, along with vehicles stolen in Poland and the European Union, as well as ammunition for firearms and cash. The value of the seized property is approximately 800,000 PLN.
“According to investigators, the group may be responsible for smuggling 6.5 million packs of illegal cigarettes, causing losses to the State Treasury estimated at over 190 million PLN” – the Central Bureau of Investigation Police said.
The detainees have been charged with participation in and leading an organized criminal group.
“For leading an organized criminal group, the penalty is up to 15 years in prison, while participation in its structures is punishable by up to 8 years in prison. The investigation is ongoing and the case is still developing” – the services stated in their communication.