Belarusian Cigarettes Smuggling Channel Blocked In Poland

About 260 law enforcement officers participated in the arrests.

A criminal group that was smuggling cigarettes from Belarus and Slovakia has been detained in Poland. In 2020-2021, this group illegally imported at least 19 million packs of cigarettes into Poland, the Polish Ministry of Finance reported/a>.

The group members were detained in four Polish voivodeships. A total of 21 Polish citizens were detained. About 260 law enforcement officers participated in the arrest.

The detainees are accused of participating in an organized criminal group, smuggling cigarettes, and receiving material rewards in connection with the performance of public duties. 16 people were sentenced to three months' arrest, four were released on bail. An arrest warrant was issued for one.

It is reported that three pensioners, three former customs officers, and one current customs officer were among those detained. At the time of her detention, she was working at the crossing in Kuźnica. The group members imported cigarettes from Belarus and Slovakia through the border crossings in Kuźnica and Chyżne. At least 27 trucks were used for transportation. The group's management paid for information, including the work of the border crossings. Those arrested face up to 10 years in prison. The damage to the Polish budget from their actions is estimated at more than 435 million zlotys (101 million euros).

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