Joint Effort Leads to Arrests and Seizure of 300 Million Illegal Cigarettes
Riga, Latvia – In a significant blow to organized crime, the Latvian State Police (Valsts policija) and the Latvian State Border Guard (Valsts robežsardze) have dismantled a large-scale illegal cigarette manufacturing operation. The coordinated effort, conducted last week, resulted in the arrest of 32 individuals and the confiscation of nearly 300 million illegal cigarettes, along with 47 tonnes of shredded tobacco leaves. Authorities estimate that the operation’s success has averted financial losses of over EUR 75 million for the Latvian state.
Extensive Raids Across Multiple Locations
The operation included simultaneous searches at 34 locations across Latvia. The State Police carried out 26 searches in Riga, uncovering warehouses stocked with illegal cigarettes and detaining seven suspects, including six Latvian nationals and one Russian citizen. Meanwhile, the State Border Guard conducted eight searches in Ludza, Rēzekne, and Daugavpils, apprehending 25 Ukrainian nationals at a factory in Ludza where counterfeit cigarettes bearing well-known brand names were being produced.
Notable Seizures
The raids yielded a vast array of contraband, including:
By the State Police:
- 164 million cigarettes without excise stamps, equivalent to 16 semi-trailer truckloads.
- EUR 55,000 in cash.
- Three passenger cars and three cargo trucks used in criminal operations.
- Sophisticated technical equipment, including GPS signal jammers and detectors.
- An unregistered firearm and ammunition.
By the State Border Guard:
- 132 million cigarettes without excise stamps, equating to 13 semi-trailer truckloads.
- 47 tonnes of shredded tobacco leaves, sufficient to produce 68 million cigarettes.
- Four cargo trucks with trailers and one cargo van involved in illegal activities.
- Counterfeit excise stamps and raw materials for cigarette production.
- A fully operational illegal cigarette factory in Ludza.
International Collaboration
The operation was bolstered by Europol, which provided critical analytical support, facilitated operational meetings, and offered remote assistance during the searches. The Lithuanian Customs Criminal Service (Muitinės kriminalinė tarnyba) also played a vital role in the investigation.
Latvian authorities have initiated multiple criminal cases addressing illegal tobacco production and money laundering as part of the ongoing investigation. In addition, individuals connected to the network’s illicit activities and financial operations in Latvia were detained before the raids.
Impact
This comprehensive operation highlights Latvia’s commitment to combating organized crime and illegal tobacco trade. By targeting large-scale criminal networks, authorities have taken a significant step toward safeguarding public finances and enforcing the rule of law.
A detailed video documenting the operation underscores the extensive efforts undertaken by Latvian law enforcement agencies.
