The Central Operational Customs shut down a channel bringing illicit tobacco products from Belarus: 6.7 million packs of cigarettes were seized, with an estimated domestic market value of more than RUB 1 billion. Source: FCS Russia.
The goods entered Russia by rail under the guise of electrical conductors. During operational work, officers found containers at a site in Moscow holding unmarked packs of various brands; the smuggled cigarettes had been hidden behind empty cardboard boxes.
The scheme was organized by a 35-year-old native of Azerbaijan. At questioning he admitted he knew the legal requirements for tobacco turnover but still intended to sell the goods in Russia.
A criminal case was opened under Article 226.1(1) of the Criminal Code (illicit movement of strategically important goods on a large scale); the maximum penalty under the article is up to five years’ imprisonment.
Investigators are identifying everyone involved. Searches were carried out at the detainee’s office and home; he has been placed in a pre-trial detention facility.
