Officers from the Warsaw Metropolitan Police Department arrested two men and confiscated nearly 1.7 million untaxed cigarettes, preventing a potential loss of over 2.8 million PLN in state tax revenue.
Operation Targets Illegal Tobacco Trade
The operation, led by Warsaw’s Economic Crime Division, resulted in the seizure of nearly 1.7 million cigarettes lacking mandatory excise stamps. Authorities estimate that introducing these goods into the market would have deprived the State Treasury of over 2.8 million PLN in unpaid excise, customs, and VAT.
Arrests and Evidence Recovery
The suspects were caught in the act at a local Warsaw bazaar while attempting to sell 1,000 packs of illicit cigarettes. Subsequent searches of the 48-year-old suspect’s home, garage, and additional premises uncovered over 81,500 packs of contraband tobacco. A similar cache was discovered at a market stall operated by the 51-year-old suspect.
Legal Consequences
The two men face charges related to the possession and storage of illicit tobacco products for resale. The investigation is currently being supervised by the District Prosecutor’s Office in Warsaw-Żoliborz.
