Фото: CBSP
Poland’s Central Bureau of Investigation of the Police has reported the dismantling of another smuggling group involved in transporting cigarettes from Belarus. The operation was carried out jointly with the Nadbuże Border Guard Unit.
According to the police, the group included citizens of Poland, Lithuania and Armenia. Between 2020 and 2021, they were involved in smuggling cigarettes from Belarus. Investigators believe the group was responsible for trafficking 6.5 million packs of cigarettes. The losses to the Polish state treasury are estimated at more than 190 million zlotys (about $51.5 million).
During an operation conducted in May this year, six Polish citizens and one Armenian citizen were detained. Police also seized cigarettes and electronic cigarettes without Polish excise stamps, an Audi Q7 vehicle, as well as automotive parts listed as stolen. Ammunition for firearms was also confiscated.
The detainees have been charged with participating in and leading an organized criminal group.
The investigation is ongoing.