Munich Raids Net 1.67M Smuggled Cigarettes, 6 Arrested
Authorities in Munich conducted ice raids on 24.07.2024, targeting a suspected cigarette smuggling ring. The operation resulted in the seizure of a significant amount of contraband and cash. Investigations by the Customs Investigation Office Munich and the Munich II Public Prosecutor's Office led to the discovery of over 8,500 cartons (1,700,000 pieces) of smuggled cigarettes since 2019. The raids on 24.07.2024 yielded 835 cartons (167,000 pieces) of untaxed and untaxed cigarettes, which included both branded products and counterfeit goods. The operation also led to the seizure of around 15,000 EUR in cash and an illegal switchblade. Six suspects, aged 26 to 53 and of German, Russian, Ukrainian, and Afghan nationality, were taken into custody. These suspects are believed to have sold the smuggled cigarettes to fixed customers within their circle of friends and acquaintances for profit. The estimated tax loss so far is around 750,000 EUR. Additionally, 20 other individuals who could potentially be customers of the cigarettes have been identified, although their identities remain confidential. The raids and subsequent investigations have dealt a significant blow to the suspected cigarette smuggling operation. Authorities continue to work on the case, with the goal of bringing those responsible to justice and recovering the full extent of the tax loss.
