North Macedonia dismantles major cigarette smuggling ring

cigarette smuggling customs fraud organized crime Operation Filter tax evasion

North Macedonian authorities have dismantled an organized cigarette smuggling ring through a large-scale operation codenamed ‘Filter 2’. The investigation, which spanned approximately one year, uncovered seven distinct cases of illegal cigarette distribution occurring between January and June 2024.

Authorities report that approximately 69,350,000 cigarettes were illegally released into the market, resulting in an estimated loss of over 6 million euros (377 million denars) in state taxes and duties. The smuggling methods included using the Bogorodica border crossing for transit shipments that were then illegally unloaded within the country, while vehicles were recorded in the customs system as remaining full until they exited via the Tabanovce crossing.

As a result of coordinated raids at 23 locations, 13 individuals have been arrested, including four customs officials and two police officers. Criminal charges have been filed against 18 individuals and three legal entities, including shipping, transport, and import companies. The investigation involved the Customs Administration, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office for the Prosecution of Organized and Serious Crime.

Entities

Boban Nikollovski · Bogorodica · Customs Administration of North Macedonia · Ministry of Internal Affairs · North Macedonia · Prosecution for Organized Crime · Tabanovce

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] The investigation into the smuggling ring lasted approximately one year. ts.mk · sitel.com.mk
[DISPUTED] Thirteen individuals were arrested during the operation. ts.mk · racin.mk · sitel.com.mk
[● 3 SOURCES] The arrests included four customs officials and two police officers. ts.mk · racin.mk · sitel.com.mk
[● 4 SOURCES] The illegal activity resulted in over 6 million euros in evaded state taxes. kanal77.mk · ts.mk · racin.mk · sitel.com.mk
[DISPUTED] Criminal charges were filed against three companies and 18 individuals. ts.mk · racin.mk · sitel.com.mk
[● 3 SOURCES] Police and customs authorities conducted searches at 23 different locations. ts.mk · racin.mk · sitel.com.mk
[● 3 SOURCES] Smugglers used the Bogorodica border crossing to enter with transit documents, then illegally unloaded the cigarettes within the country. kanal77.mk · racin.mk · sitel.com.mk
[● 4 SOURCES] A total of 69,350,000 cigarettes were illegally released into circulation. kanal77.mk · ts.mk · racin.mk · sitel.com.mk