Return of seized equipment: the reality of the fight against the illegal tobacco market

Loud statements about the fight against illegal cigarette production, accompanied by the seizure of equipment, turn out to be a farce in practice. Everything returns to its original state thanks to court decisions.

Chronicle of events

In August 2022, the Bureau of Economic Security (BES) reported the seizure of a production line for "Orion Tobacco" brand cigarettes in Odesa. This equipment is linked to businessman Vadim Alperin, known for his dubious schemes.
However, the BES statement verbatim repeated a similar release from the previous day regarding the same seizure, which had already raised questions.

Judicial loopholes

The main problem is that after high-profile raids and seizures, the equipment is usually returned to its owners. Court decisions become a key tool for legitimising Alperin's activities, whether they involve customs fraud or illegal tobacco production.

Example from Odesa

Today, at 10:30 am, the Shevchenkivskyi District Court of Kyiv, presided over by Judge Vitaliy Tsyktych, is hearing a motion by a prosecutor from the Office of the Prosecutor General to extend the seizure of equipment taken in 2022 (criminal case No. 72022000310000009).
According to available information, the court is likely to lift the seizure and return the equipment to its owners.

Consequences

If this decision is made, it will once again confirm the futility of the authorities' efforts to combat the illegal tobacco market. Raids and confiscations become merely part of a public show that does not lead to real changes.

Conclusion

Such a situation undermines trust in law enforcement agencies and the judicial system, turning the "war" on the illegal market into a farce.