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2 clusters · 6 sources · 5 days · First seen · Last updated

Illegal cigarette manufacturing operations in Europe

Overview

Authorities in Italy and Slovenia have dismantled large-scale illegal cigarette manufacturing facilities.

In Viterbo, Italy, the Guardia di Finanza dismantled a factory in the Settevene area, resulting in eight arrests and the seizure of approximately 20 tons of tobacco. The facility used soundproofed rooms to mask machinery noise. Investigators identified the fraud after discovering that every cigarette pack carried the same serial number. Seven Paraguayan nationals were found working at the site.

In northeastern Slovenia near Lendava, authorities uncovered what is described as the country’s largest illegal cigarette manufacturing facility. This plant featured modern production lines, its own power supply via large aggregators, and an on-site fuel depot. The operation resulted in the seizure of 44 tons of tobacco and at least 14 million cigarettes. Investigations suggest the facility was linked to organized crime and that Paraguayan workers were being held in “slave-like conditions”.

Entities

National Bureau of Investigation · Guardia di Finanza · Viterbo · Financial Administration of the Republic of Slovenia · Lendava

Timeline

  1. [CRIME] 2 sources
    Illegal cigarette factory discovered in Slovenia

    Slovenian authorities dismantled a massive illegal cigarette factory near Lendava, seizing 44 tons of tobacco and 14 million cigarettes. The site involved organized crime and forced labor.

  2. [CRIME] 4 sources
    Viterbo authorities dismantle illegal cigarette factory

    Eight people were arrested and 20 tons of tobacco seized after Italian authorities dismantled an illegal, soundproofed cigarette factory in Viterbo.

Sources

dialessandria.it · laltravoce.com · mantovauno.it · slovenskenovice.si · vg.hu · viterbonews24.it