Lithuanian Suspected of Running Illegal Cigarette Factories in Spain, Dozens Arrested
Spanish police have shut down six illegal cigarette factories and arrested 50 suspects, including a Lithuanian national suspected of masterminding the operation.
A cross-border police operation in Spain has dismantled six illegal cigarette factories and led to the arrest of 50 individuals, including a Lithuanian national suspected of being the mastermind. The raids targeted two organized crime networks, according to officials. Among those detained were Lithuanian and Polish nationals, including a Lithuanian already known to police who is believed to be a key figure.
Spain's Civil Guard conducted 23 raids across several provinces, seizing over 20 million cigarettes and 38.4 tonnes of tobacco, some shredded and some in leaf form. The factories had the capacity to produce up to 7.8 million cigarettes per day. The confiscated goods are estimated to be worth more than €10 million.
Authorities also seized 18 vehicles, encrypted phones, computers, €170,000 in cash, and firearms. The operation was a joint effort involving Lithuania's Customs Criminal Service, Europol, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), Poland's Central Investigation Bureau, and Portugal's National Guard.
Lithuanian customs officials commented that the case supports analysts' warnings that as the European Union tightens security along its external borders, criminal gangs are increasingly setting up illegal cigarette factories inside the bloc itself.
