Tax police: Criminal networks in Latvia and neighboring states still cooperate on illegal cigarettes

Latvia's Tax and Customs Police (NMP) has confirmed to the LETA news agency that organized crime groups in Latvia and neighboring countries continue to actively cooperate across borders in matters related to illegal cigarette production.

According to the agency, criminal groups are involved on multiple levels - both in supplying the components needed for illegal cigarette manufacturing and in organizing the circulation of already-produced illegal cigarettes. This indicates that the individuals and groups involved are not confined to operating within a single country's borders, but maintain contacts between Latvia and its neighboring states.

Cross-border schemes

The information provided by NMP suggests that this type of criminal activity is not an isolated occurrence but an ongoing trend. The agency did not disclose further details about specific investigations, detained individuals, or the volume of seized goods.

As described by NMP, the chain of illegal cigarette production and distribution spans several stages - from the supply of raw materials and components needed for manufacturing to the distribution of the finished product. This structured approach points to the existence of an organized and persistent criminal scheme operating in the region.

The NMP statement was issued in response to questions from LETA, confirming that the agency continues to monitor the situation on the illegal tobacco products market in Latvia and its immediate neighboring region.