Ukrainian Economic Security Bureau dismantles large-scale counterfeit tobacco operations

The Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine (ESBU) shut down illicit cigarette manufacturing facilities in Lviv and Kharkiv regions capable of producing 130,000 packs daily. The operation targeted counterfeit production lines disguised as international brands, utilizing independent power sources to maintain continuous output. It remains unclear if the syndicates are linked to broader organized crime networks or state-level actors.