Last week, the State Police in cooperation with the State Border Guard detained 32 persons on suspicion of illegal tobacco production in a large-scale operation, stopping an international organized crime network. An illegal cigarette factory with production equipment and raw materials was discovered in Ludza, and a total of almost 300 million cigarettes and about 47 tons of crushed tobacco leaves were confiscated.
Officials of the 3rd Department of the Main Criminal Police Department of the State Police Department for the Combating of Serious and Serial Crimes (ONSSNAP) conducted a two-year inquiry into an international organized criminal network that was engaged in the production, smuggling and sale of illegal tobacco products both in Latvia and in other European countries .
Several criminal proceedings related to the production of illegal tobacco and the legalization of proceeds of crime have been initiated for the activities of this criminal network. During the investigation, several persons were arrested who were connected to the criminal activities of the network and were involved in the laundering of criminally obtained funds in the territory of Latvia.
In the summer of this year, a citizen of Latvia - the leader of an organized criminal network - was arrested on suspicion of legalization of criminally obtained funds. During searches in both Spain and Latvia, a total of 100 properties worth 13 million euros, 150,000 euros in bank accounts were seized, and a fleet of restored luxury retro cars was confiscated. the organizer is currently in custody.
This criminal network was highly developed and familiar with police tactics and methodology. On the other hand,after the arrest of the leader of the organized network,a strong countermeasure was directed against the police,hindering the course of the investigation,the law enforcement officers said.
Continuing the investigation in connection with the detection of criminal business, the State police ONSSNAP and the Criminal Investigation Services of the State Border Guard, and also the Aviation and Special Operations Department of the State Border Guard and the Special Operations Service “Sigma” on December 10 in a large-scale joint operation in Ludza and Riga detained a total of 32 persons and discovered illegal cigarettes production plant.
Criminal procedural activities took place simultaneously in several places. The State Police conducted 26 sanctioned searches in Riga, finding warehouses with finished products and arrested seven persons – six Latvian nationals and one Russian national.
The State Border Guard,on the other hand,conducted eight searches in Ludza,Rēzekne and Daugavpils,but it was at the Ludza factory that they detained 25 Ukrainians who were engaged in the illegal production of “Marlboro”,”Prince”,”Winston” and “LM” cigarettes.
All detainees are subject to a security measure – detention.
In total, during the search, the State Police seized 164 million cigarettes without excise stamps, which is equivalent to 16 truck trailers. The police also seized three cars and three trucks, which were used to commit the crime. During the search, cash in the amount of 55,000 euros, several technical equipment – GPS signal suppressors and detectors, which are goods of strategic importance, as well as an unregistered firearm and ammunition were seized.
In turn,the State Border Guard seized 132 million cigarettes without excise stamps,which is equivalent to 13 truck trailers. Border guards also seized about 47 tons of crushed tobacco leaves,which can be used to make 68 million cigarettes,and also four trucks with trailers and one cargo minibus used in the criminal activity.
If,for example,cigarettes end up on the Latvian market,the total loss to the country would be more than 75 million euros.
The police know that the criminals were involved in the production of illegal cigarettes for more than ten years. The Lithuanian Customs Criminal Service and Europol “AP Smoke” provided support to the State Police in this investigation.
These offenses are investigated in criminal proceedings for the illegal circulation of tobacco products, including manufacturing, money laundering and smuggling.
Likewise, foreigners who were illegally employed on the territory of Latvia will be held administratively liable for violating the conditions of employment stipulated in the Immigration Law, if the employed foreigner did so.
How do law enforcement agencies collaborate internationally to dismantle organized crime operations involved in illegal tobacco trafficking?
Interview Between the Time.news Editor and Criminal Justice Expert Dr.Elena Markova
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome,Dr. Markova. We’re glad to have you with us today to discuss the recent bust of an illegal tobacco network in Latvia. To start off, can you give us an overview of the significance of this operation?
Dr. Elena Markova (EM): Thank you for having me.This operation is monumental not only because of the sheer scale of illegal tobacco production but also due to its implications for organized crime in Europe. Law enforcement agencies,especially in Latvia,are sending a powerful message that they are committed to dismantling these extensive criminal networks that undermine both local economies and public health.
TNE: They managed to detain 32 individuals and confiscated nearly 300 million cigarettes. How does this scale of operation typically affect the community?
EM: That’s a meaningful number. Illegal tobacco operations can have a profound impact on communities. First and foremost, it fuels the black market, which can lead to lost tax revenues for governments. This, in turn, affects public services like education and healthcare. Additionally,these networks frequently enough exploit vulnerable populations,not providing adequate labor protections or wages.The ripple effects are significant.
TNE: Can you explain how the Latvian authorities coordinated this operation over two years? What challenges do they face in investigating such networks?
EM: Investigating organized crime, especially those involved in transnational activities, is exceedingly complex. Authorities typically rely on a combination of surveillance,intelligence sharing,and financial tracking to connect the dots. In this case,they likely faced challenges like cross-border jurisdiction,the use of sophisticated smuggling tactics by the criminals,and the need for cooperation with international law enforcement agencies.
TNE: It’s extraordinary that they could identify and disrupt this network.what are some common characteristics of such organized crime groups involved in trafficking illegal tobacco?
EM: These groups ofen exhibit a high degree of association, using hierarchical structures to minimize risk and maintain control. They operate across borders, establishing connections within different countries to facilitate smuggling routes. Moreover,they are typically involved in multiple criminal activities beyond just tobacco—drug trafficking,money laundering,or even human trafficking are not uncommon.
TNE: Following this bust, what steps do you believe law enforcement should take to ensure that this doesn’t simply re-emerge?
EM: It’s critical for law enforcement not only to dismantle the current operation but also to address the underlying issues that allow these networks to thrive. This involves strengthening laws, enhancing border security, and increasing public awareness about the dangers of purchasing illegal products. Additionally, collaboration between countries is essential since these networks operate across borders.
TNE: What role do consumers play in enabling these illegal operations?
EM: Consumer behavior is a crucial factor. By purchasing illegal tobacco products, individuals are directly contributing to the funding of these criminal enterprises. Public education campaigns highlighting the legal, health, and ethical implications of buying such products can be effective in curbing demand.
TNE: As these operations become more sophisticated, how is technology evolving to combat them?
EM: Technology is a double-edged sword.On one hand, criminals are using advanced methods, such as encrypted dialogue and digital payment systems, to evade detection. Conversely, law enforcement agencies are leveraging technology, including data analytics, artificial intelligence, and improved communication networks, to identify and track these networks more efficiently and effectively.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Markova, for sharing your insights on this complex issue. It seems that there’s a long road ahead, but operations like these are certainly a step in the right direction.
EM: Absolutely. It’s a constant battle, but with sustained effort and collaboration, we can make significant progress in combating organized crime and protecting our communities.
TNE: Thanks again for being here today. It’s been enlightening discussing such an crucial topic.