Hungarian authorities seize smuggled cigarettes and counterfeit clothing

smuggling counterfeit goods excise fraud tax authorities contraband cigarettes

The National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV) has launched proceedings against the driver of a Bulgarian minibus following the discovery of smuggled cigarettes and counterfeit clothing on the M5 motorway in Csongrád-Csanád county.

During an inspection at the Szatymaz rest area, officials discovered 1,415 packs of various brands of Bulgarian cigarettes hidden within the vehicle's roof, side panels, and door cavities. Additionally, officers found packages wrapped in black foil containing counterfeit branded clothing, including shorts, T-shirts, and skirts. Trademark representatives confirmed the items were fraudulent.

The counterfeit clothing caused approximately 17 million forints in damages to rights holders, while the driver faces a fine of 7.3 million forints related to the smuggled cigarettes. Both the contraband tobacco and the counterfeit apparel were seized by authorities.