Belarusian and Three Poles Detained in Poland on Suspicion of Smuggling Cigarettes Using Weather Balloons

Four people — a Belarusian citizen and three Polish citizens — have been detained in Poland’s Podlaskie Voivodeship as part of an investigation into cigarette smuggling from Belarus using weather balloons.

The arrests took place on September 9. The Belarusian was detained at Warsaw Airport, two Poles in Bialystok, and one at the Kuznica border crossing on the Polish-Belarusian border, the Polish Border Guard reports.

The detainees have been charged with membership in an organized criminal group and leading a group involved in transporting cigarettes from Belarus to Poland using weather balloons, as well as their transportation, storage and sale. They have also been charged under legislation on special measures to counter support for aggression against Ukraine and protect national security.

The investigation involves multiple incidents. Since the investigation began, more than 150 suspects have been charged.

The detainees have been placed under police supervision and banned from leaving the country. Property guarantees of 10,000 zlotys ($2,700) and 20,000 zlotys ($5,400) have also been imposed.