Three suspects charged with selling vapes through a network of 14 kiosks in Poltava

Illegal sale scheme for excisable goods uncovered

Law enforcement officers in Poltava uncovered a network engaged in the illegal sale of e-cigarettes, vape liquids, and components. According to the investigation, trade was conducted through 14 retail pavilions. Products were sold without the required permits, excise labels, and without issuing fiscal receipts to buyers.

During searches, detectives from the Bureau of Economic Security (BEB) seized goods with an estimated total value of 5 million UAH. Three individuals, who are believed to have been behind this scheme, have been notified of suspicion.

The results of the investigation were published by the Territorial Directorate of the Bureau of Economic Security in Poltava Oblast.

How the illegal network operated

According to BEB data, the suspects organised the supply and sale of illegally manufactured excisable goods. Large batches of products were purchased in another city and then delivered to Poltava by courier services. The goods were then distributed among 14 retail points for sale.

In the kiosks, customers were offered disposable e-cigarettes, ready-made vape liquids, and components for their self-manufacture. The investigation established that sales were conducted without proper permits and excise tax labels, and payments were made without fiscal receipts.

Law enforcement officers established that two women may have been involved in organising the network's activities, while another participant in the scheme was directly involved in the sale of the illegal products.

Search results and seizure of evidence

BEB detectives conducted searches in retail pavilions and premises used for storing goods. During the investigative actions, the following was seized:

• almost 1,200 disposable e-cigarettes;
• over 1,300 bottles of ready-made liquids for e-cigarettes;

The estimated total value of the seized products is approximately 5 million UAH. The seized goods and other physical evidence will be examined within the framework of the criminal proceedings. The suspects are charged with the sale of excisable goods. Based on the evidence collected, law enforcement officers notified three individuals of suspicion: two probable organisers of the illegal trade and a man who, according to the investigation, was involved in the sale of the products. Their actions were qualified under Part 2 of Article 28 and Part 1 of Article 204 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. This concerns the illegal storage for the purpose of sale and the sale of excisable goods committed by a group of persons by prior conspiracy. The pre-trial investigation is ongoing. Law enforcement officers continue to establish all circumstances of the network's activities and the origin of the seized products. Operational support for the criminal proceedings is provided by officers of the Directorate of Strategic Investigations in Poltava Oblast of the Department of Strategic Investigations of the National Police of Ukraine. Procedural supervision is ensured by the Poltava Regional Prosecutor's Office. In accordance with the principle of presumption of innocence, the suspects are considered innocent until their guilt is proven in the manner established by law.