Major Raid Uncovers Illegal Cigarette Operation in Germany
Authorities arrest 17 individuals and search 10 locations in a crackdown on a large-scale tax evasion scheme in North Rhine-Westphalia and Brandenburg.
- Police targeted an illegal cigarette production facility in Radevormwald, operated since at least July 2024.
- Investigations were conducted by the Wuppertal Prosecutor's Office, supported by multiple federal and state agencies.
- The main suspect, a 38-year-old Moldovan man, allegedly led the operation with a group.
- The illicit cigarettes were intended for sale on the German and European black markets.
- Special forces from the Federal Police and Customs Criminal Office participated in the raids.
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