Cigarette smuggling ring uncovered across Europe: damage in Latvia nearly €85 million
After more than two years of investigation, the Latvian State Police has referred 16 people for criminal prosecution over large-scale illegal cigarette production and smuggling. Investigators estimate the damage to the state at more than €84.7 million.
Latvia's State Police has referred 16 people for criminal prosecution in a case involving large-scale illegal cigarette production and smuggling, following an investigation that lasted more than two years. The news was reported by the LSM portal.
Investigators estimate that the group's activities caused the state losses of more than €84.7 million, or almost €85 million. The figure points to the scale of the illicit tobacco trade and its effect on state budget revenue.
The report says the group was engaged in the illegal circulation of cigarettes across Europe, meaning the case was not confined to a single country.
The initial information does not say who the suspects are, what specific charges each of them faces, or when the case might reach court. What is clear is that the investigative stage has been completed and the case materials have been passed on for prosecution.
