In Mykolaiv Oblast, a network of stores was uncovered: 2,000 nicotine packages and 500 packs of hookah tobacco were seized

In the Mykolaiv region a network of shops was exposed through which illegally manufactured excise goods were sold — hookah mixtures, electronic cigarettes and nicotine-containing liquids; according to the regional prosecutor’s office, the illegal trade was established from April 2025 in one of the districts of the region.

The Mykolaiv regional prosecutor’s office reported on the course of the pre-trial investigation by publishing information on its Telegram channel, where it is specified that a local entrepreneur — a sole proprietor — was involved in the scheme, who organized the sale of untaxed tobacco products at several retail outlets.

During sanctioned searches investigators seized excise goods and components for their manufacture: more than 500 packs of hookah tobacco, more than 2000 packages containing nicotine, as well as bottles and ampoules with nicotine and glycerin, various flavorings, electronic cigarettes and other items.

The entrepreneur was served with a notice of suspicion under Part 1 of Article 204 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — illegal acquisition for the purpose of sale, storage for that purpose, as well as sale and transportation for sale of illegally manufactured tobacco products.

The investigation is currently checking the possible involvement of other persons in organizing and operating the distribution channel for excise counterfeit goods; in particular, the origin of the raw materials and the supply routes of the goods are being established.

Earlier we wrote:

• Counterfeit: a Mykolaiv resident on a suspended sentence set up an illegal business
• Almost three tons of alcohol and “elite” counterfeit liquor: a large-scale scheme uncovered in Mykolaiv
• 7 members of a criminal group organized the sale of tobacco products with forged “excise” stamps in Mykolaiv
• Seized products worth over 300,000 UAH: in Mykolaiv law enforcement inspected locations selling excise goods
• In the Mykolaiv region, the SBU and BEB detectives uncovered an illegal tobacco workshop