Illegal cigarette factory in Haan causes 28 million euro tax loss

Customs authorities have dismantled an illegal cigarette factory in Haan, near Düsseldorf, which is estimated to have produced 130 million untaxed cigarettes since May. Investigators estimate the resulting tax loss at approximately 28 million euros.

During the raid, which involved roughly 350 personnel from customs, the Federal Police, and the Technical Relief Agency (THW), officials discovered a complete production line. The facility included manufacturing and packaging units, power generators, exhaust systems, and machinery for cutting and drying tobacco. Authorities also seized large quantities of raw tobacco, filter and cigarette paper, and counterfeit packaging for various brands.

Twenty-one suspects have been taken into custody and are currently in pre-trial detention. Among the two primary suspects, more than 50,000 euros in cash was seized. The tax damage attributed solely to the goods found on-site is estimated at about 3.5 million euros.