State agency “National Security” (DANS) initiated an international operation to intercept the activities of organized criminal groups, involved in the construction of illegal factories for the production of cigarettes on the territory of a foreign country, channels for smuggling and sale of illegal products in EU countries. reported by DANS.
A total of 20 people were arrested as alleged members of a criminal organization, 15 of whom are Bulgarian citizens. More than six million short fake cigarettes were seized, as well as 33 tons of raw tobacco with a total value of more than 7.5 million euros.
DANS acquired information on the activities of international organized criminal groups involved in the construction of illegal factories for the production of cigarettes, their supply with raw materials and consumables, employment of workers, logistical provision and placement of the finished product, as well as financing of all criminal activity .
In parallel with this, the operation of channels for smuggling cigarette products without a banderol has been established.
In 2023 and 2024, coordination was carried out with the partner services of Spain and a complex of activities was carried out to document and intercept the criminal activity of groups engaged in illegal production and sale of tobacco products.
It has been established that the funds acquired from criminal activity are introduced into the financial circulation by means of mechanisms for their “laundering”.
In the final phase of the operation, in March and April this year, in the Spanish cities of Madrid and Lucena, two illegal factories with equipment for the production, packaging and distribution of cigarettes of well-known brands were discovered.
The investigation remains open and further action has not been ruled out.
Tags: DANS broke international criminal group Bulgarians arrested
