The District Prosecutor’s Office in Płock has filed an indictment against 16 people tied to an illegal cigarette manufacturing and tax‑evasion operation that operated for nearly four years.
Indictment Issued Against 16 Individuals
The indictment, filed at the Płock District Court, accuses 16 persons of participating in an organized crime group, producing illegal tobacco products, committing tax evasion, and arranging unlawful border crossings into Poland.
Altogether 63 charges were presented, covering various criminal codes.
Operation Spanned Four Years Across Borders
The ring included Polish and Belarusian nationals, exploiting Belarusian expertise in industrial machinery, especially cigarette production lines, to manufacture illicit tobacco.
Over four years, the group illegally crossed and stayed in Poland, bypassing excise and VAT obligations.
Seized Assets: Cigarettes, Tobacco, and Equipment
Police secured approximately 3.8 million illegal cigarettes and 13.5 tonnes of tobacco, valued at about 12 million PLN.
They also seized a production line worth roughly 1 million PLN, cash of 134,450 PLN, 1,020 EUR, jewelry worth 40,000 PLN, transport vehicles, GPS jammers, and mobile phones.
Financial Losses to the State
Unpaid excise and other public taxes from the operation are estimated at around 45 million PLN.
Legal Charges and Potential Sentences
The indictment lists offences under Articles 258, 264, 273, 54, 65, 69 of the Polish Penal Code and its special provisions.
Witnesses and expert reports have been collected, and several properties of multi‑million value were seized as security.
Those charged face fines and up to 15 years of imprisonment.
Separate Proceedings for Nine Others
Prosecutors set aside a separate case for nine additional suspects, some of whom have voluntarily pleaded guilty and received punishment.
