Major Underground Tobacco Factory Discovered in Rostov-on-Don
Authorities have uncovered a significant underground tobacco factory in Rostov-on-Don, which has been illegally producing and distributing counterfeit cigarettes across Russia. This operation, described as the largest of its kind in recent months, has raised serious concerns about the scale of illicit tobacco trafficking in the country.
The Federal Security Service (FSB) reported that during a raid, over two million packs of cigarettes and a staggering 46 tons of tobacco were seized, alongside counterfeit excise stamps and sophisticated production equipment valued at approximately 500 million rubles. The factory, operational since at least 2019, was capable of producing a volume comparable to two legal factories in the region, highlighting the extensive reach of such illegal enterprises.
Organized Crime and the Fight Against Illicit Tobacco
Investigations reveal a well-structured criminal operation, with a hierarchy among the organizers and workers, many of whom were experienced personnel from the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) and Luhansk People's Republic (LPR). The FSB noted that the illegal factory had a workforce of about 60 individuals, all engaged in various roles from production to logistics.
The illegal tobacco trade remains a pressing issue in Russia, with the illicit market accounting for 11.3% of tobacco consumption, resulting in losses of around 100 billion rubles in tax revenue annually. Law enforcement agencies are intensifying their efforts to combat this growing problem, as seen in recent operations across various regions, leading to the shutdown of multiple underground facilities and the arrest of several suspects.
- The recent crackdown on illegal tobacco production is part of a broader effort by Russian authorities to address the rising issue of counterfeit goods. In addition to the Rostov factory, operations in Voronezh and Tula have also led to significant seizures of counterfeit cigarettes and production equipment. Experts emphasize the need for stricter regulations and support for legal producers to combat the allure of high profits in the illegal tobacco market. The continued prevalence of counterfeit tobacco products poses not only an economic threat but also public health risks, as these products often lack safety standards.
