[REVISION HISTORY]

Illegal cigarette production in Slovenia

Updated 1 time since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-16 16:08 UTC → 2026-10-17 20:28 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.~~ 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 ~~illegal production and~~ the organized crime group suspected ~~human trafficking.~~ 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 ~~warehouse~~ production hall and receiving food only at night. Authorities believe the criminal organization responsible is linked to international networks.

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