The investigation was launched in September 2024 after the seizure of 12 million counterfeit cigarettes in the port of Genoa.
By analyzing the movement of suspicious containers, investigators discovered a criminal network with a base in the United Kingdom and connections across Europe, Africa and Asia.
Cigarettes produced in Armenia and transported through Georgia were intended for the black market in several European countries.
The criminal group used complex routes through Kenya, the Netherlands and Turkey to conceal the origin of the goods.
In October 2024, port workers suspected of aiding smuggling were arrested, and mobile phones and fake container seals were confiscated.
It was established that false customs declarations were used, where cigarettes were presented as construction materials, and containers with a double bottom.
The group operated as a family organization, linked to high criminal structures in Turkey, including drug trafficking. In the vicinity of Genoa, a company was used to manipulate customs procedures, while warehouses in the province of Alessandria were used to distribute smuggled tobacco.
The IT expert created fake websites and addresses to conceal the recipient’s identity, and communication took place through encrypted platforms.
During the operation, five suspects were arrested in Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom, and property worth around 2.5 million euros was confiscated. Earlier seizures included more than 40 tons of illegal tobacco products, with an estimated loss of more than ten million euros in customs and tax revenues.
Europol provided support through data analysis, information exchange and operational meetings.
Europol’s mobile office was deployed to Genoa, and a cryptocurrency expert was deployed to the United Kingdom for financial investigations, according to Europol.
(Vijesti.ba / FENA)
