# Illegal cigarette production in Slovenia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/illegal-cigarette-production-in-slovenia
> Updated: 2026-10-16T14:32:14.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2.

Authorities in Slovenia’s Pomurje region, near the Lendava border crossing, uncovered a massive illegal cigarette production facility located in an industrial zone. The operation was identified after the Financial Administration (FURS) intercepted a suspicious truck traveling between Lendava and the Petišovci border crossing on October 13, 2026.

The facility, located in an industrial hall in the Trimlini zone, was fully equipped for the production, filtration, and packaging of counterfeit cigarettes from major global brands. The seizure involves counterfeit goods estimated to be worth approximately 30 million euros, described as one of the largest recent seizures of its kind in the European Union.

The investigation has expanded to address human trafficking and modern slavery. The National Investigation Bureau (NPU) and the Specialized State Prosecutor’s Office are conducting a pre-indictment investigation into the organized crime group suspected of recruiting and exploiting workers. 

Investigators found at least 20 foreign nationals, allegedly from Paraguay, being held in inhumane conditions. These workers were reportedly forced to work without daylight for at least 25 days, sleeping in the production hall and receiving food only at night. Authorities believe the criminal organization responsible is linked to international networks.

## Claims

- The investigation was triggered after officials stopped a suspicious truck between Lendava and Petišovci. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Workers reported they had not seen daylight for at least 25 days. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The estimated value of the seized counterfeit goods is approximately 30 million euros. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- At least 20 foreign nationals, believed to be from Paraguay, were held in the facility. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The factory was located in the Trimlini industrial zone near Lendava. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Financial Administration discovered a fully equipped illegal cigarette production facility on October 13, 2026. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The facility is the largest illegal cigarette production site discovered in Slovenia to date. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Authorities are investigating suspicions of human trafficking related to the discovery. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-16: Slovenia uncovers largest illegal cigarette factory and human trafficking ring

Slovenian police discovered the country's largest illegal cigarette factory near Lendava, uncovering a 30 million euro counterfeit operation and suspected human trafficking of at least 20 foreign workers.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/slovenia-uncovers-massive-illegal-cigarette-factory-near-lendava

### 2026-09-25: Illegal tobacco factory and 29 million forint seizure in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén

Hungarian authorities seized 29 million forints worth of illegal tobacco and uncovered a basement manufacturing facility in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/illegal-tobacco-factory-and-29-million-forint-seizure-in-borsod-abaj-zempln

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Cite as: Illegal cigarette production in Slovenia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/illegal-cigarette-production-in-slovenia