Man faces charges over nearly 32,000 illicit cigarettes and money laundering in Preiļi region

The State Police has completed the investigation into a criminal case against a man born in 1970, who was detained last summer in the Preiļi region with almost 32,000 illicit cigarettes. The suspect is also accused of laundering criminal proceeds, allegedly using the money to buy real estate and two cars, police said.

According to police, on 2 July last year, officers carrying out operational measures against the illegal circulation of excisable goods stopped an Audi A6 on a road in Sīļukalns parish, Preiļi municipality. During a search of the vehicle, they found and seized 31,980 cigarettes, some bearing excise stamps of the Republic of Belarus and some without stamps. Officers also established that the man was driving without a valid driving licence.

The police noted that the suspect had already been remanded in custody in the framework of another criminal proceeding. The investigation later revealed that the man had been involved in money laundering by concealing the true origin of the funds, which he used to purchase real estate and two cars.

The criminal case was initiated under several sections of the Criminal Law: illegal handling of tobacco products on a large scale, evasion of serving a custodial or other sentence, and laundering of financial resources obtained by criminal means. The provisions carry penalties of up to five years, one year and four years in prison respectively, as well as alternative sanctions such as community service, probation or fines, with or without confiscation of property.

On 31 July this year, police completed the investigation and handed the case materials to the prosecutor's office to start criminal prosecution. The police remind that the man is presumed innocent until his guilt is proven in accordance with the law.