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Friday, March 29, 2024

Poland Dismantles Organized Crime Group Involved in Illegal Tobacco Production

Europol has assisted the Polish authorities in dismantling an organized crime group involved in the production of illegal cigarettes.

An action day in Poland on July 27 saw over 100 officers from the Border Guard (Straż Graniczna) search a number of locations across the province of Warsaw. An illicit factory was dismantled, and 16 suspects charged for their involvement in this illegal tobacco activity. The leader of the criminal organization is among those arrested. 

Over 1.6 million counterfeit cigarettes were seized on site by the Polish authorities, alongside 13 tonnes of tobacco which could have been used to produce a further 13 million cigarettes. The tax loss for the Polish Treasury is assessed at about €3.8 million. 

The estimated factory’s production capacity was approximately 1 million cigarettes per day. The counterfeit cigarettes were destined predominantly for the U.K. and Germany markets, where they would have had a value of up to €9.7 million.

Europol’s Analysis Project (AP) Smoke provided its secure communication platform and facilitated international cooperation between Poland and other Member States, running cross-checks and providing analytical support and operational expertise. AP Smoke also deployed its experts to Warsaw to assist the Polish authorities with their action day. 

Read more at Europol

Poland Dismantles Organized Crime Group Involved in Illegal Tobacco Production Homeland Security Today
Homeland Security Today
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.
Homeland Security Today
Homeland Security Todayhttp://www.hstoday.us
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.

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