Key facts
- Authorities seized 20 million cigarettes and 38.4 tonnes of tobacco in EU countries.
- Two international criminal networks based in Spain were dismantled.
- The operation targeted counterfeit tobacco products estimated to be worth €10 million.
- Fifty people were arrested, and several assets including vehicles and cash were confiscated.
- The operation involved multiple European countries, OLAF, and Europol.
Authorities in Spain, with support from the EU's anti-fraud office (OLAF) and Europol, have dismantled two international criminal networks involved in the illicit tobacco trade. The operation, which spanned multiple Spanish provinces, resulted in the seizure of 20 million cigarettes and 38.4 tonnes of tobacco leaf and cut tobacco.
The investigation targeted groups suspected of manufacturing, distributing, and trafficking counterfeit tobacco products, with an estimated value of €10 million. During the operation, investigators conducted 23 searches and confiscated 18 vehicles, tobacco manufacturing equipment, encrypted electronic devices, €170,000 in cash, and several firearms.
A total of 50 individuals were arrested, including two suspects who have been transferred to Polish authorities. The operation involved collaboration between Spain's Guardia Civil, Poland's Central Bureau of Investigation, Portugal's National Republican Guard, Lithuania's Criminal Police Bureau, OLAF, and Europol.
OLAF chief Petr Klement highlighted the health dangers of smoking counterfeit cigarettes and the financial impact on taxpayers, stating that illicit cigarettes reward organised crime. Investigations into the supply chain are reportedly ongoing.