In Mykolaiv, counterfeit cigarettes were sold through retail pavilions: products worth more than 15 million hryvnias were seized

In Mykolaiv, law enforcement uncovered an organized group that sold illegally manufactured tobacco products with excise stamps showing signs of forgery. The estimated value of the seized products exceeds 15 million hryvnias. The exposure was reported by the police and the Mykolaiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office.

As the investigation established, the illegal activity lasted since June 2025. The organizer was a 57-year-old resident of Mykolaiv. He arranged the purchase, transportation and storage of illegal tobacco products and forged excise tax stamps for subsequent sale.

The man involved a 30-year-old relative and two women — private entrepreneurs — in the illegal activity. The group purchased illegal cigarettes from underground producers and then sold them in wholesale and retail batches through trade pavilions in Mykolaiv.

The organizer controlled all stages of the illegal activity — from supply and storage of the products to their sale. In addition, he coordinated the work of administrators and sellers.

During sanctioned searches in commercial establishments, warehouse premises and at the residences of the suspects, police discovered and seized more than 230 thousand packs of tobacco products with excise stamps showing signs of forgery. Financial and business documentation, rough notes and other physical evidence were also seized.

The group organizer was notified of suspicion under Part 3 of Article 27, Part 2 of Article 199 and Part 1 of Article 204 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Three of his associates were charged under Part 2 of Article 199 and Part 1 of Article 204 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

Depending on their roles, the suspects are accused of illegal operations with forged excise tax stamps, as well as the purchase, storage, transportation and sale of illegally manufactured tobacco products.

August 20 the court chose a preventive measure for the organizer in the form of detention. At the same time he was allowed to post bail in the amount of more than 266 thousand hryvnias. Two other suspects were placed under round-the-clock house arrest, and a third under night-time house arrest.

For the charged crimes the suspects may face up to 10 years imprisonment with confiscation of property.

Law enforcement continues to identify other participants in the illegal activity and the supply channels of counterfeit products. The pre-trial investigation continues under the procedural guidance of the Mykolaiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office.

Earlier it was reported on the sale in Mykolaiv of illegal e‑liquids for vapes: participants in that scheme face trial.

Earlier we wrote:

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• In Mykolaiv, reconstruction of sewage treatment facilities has begun
• In Mykolaiv, among 936 newborns one child was found to have a rare disease
• In Mykolaiv, roads on three streets were repaired in one day
• In Mykolaiv, a boiler house is being modernized to ensure stable…