OLAF Leads Global Crackdown on Illicit Vape Trade
The European Anti-Fraud Office announced that its “JCO VAPE” operation, conducted with customs authorities from 30 countries, successfully targeted the illicit trade of vapes and heated tobacco products.
Key Highlights
- OLAF, in collaboration with customs authorities from 30 countries, launched “JCO VAPE” to combat the illicit vape trade.
- The operation ran from November 14 to December 15, 2025, marking the first global customs initiative focused on these products.
- Authorities seized over 94 million items and more than 2,500 kilograms/liters of related goods.
- Confiscations included over 1.9 million vapes, 1,551 e-liquid units, and nearly 61,000 heated tobacco products.
- Many items were misdeclared as everyday goods and failed to meet legal standards.
Operation Results: Over 94 Million Items Seized
April 20, 2026. According to an OLAF press release, the “JCO VAPE” operation resulted in the seizure of more than 94 million items, including tobacco products, vape devices, and related goods.
Conducted between November 14 and December 15, 2025, this marked the first coordinated EU and international customs effort specifically targeting the rapidly growing vape category.
Broad International Participation Across 30 Countries
The operation was led by OLAF and coordinated with customs authorities from Italy and Lithuania.
It involved 23 EU Member States—including Belgium, Spain, Italy, and Poland—as well as seven non-EU partners such as Ukraine, Turkey, China, Australia, and Norway.
Millions of Vapes Confiscated, Belgium Leads Seizures
Authorities seized over 1.9 million vapes, along with 1,551 e-liquid units and nearly 61,000 heated tobacco products.
Belgium recorded the highest number of vape seizures, totaling approximately 1.7 million units.
Rising Popularity of Vapes Fuels Illicit Market Growth
OLAF noted that the rapid rise in vape usage—particularly among young people—has contributed to a surge in illicit trade.
This trend poses risks to public health, government tax revenues, and the environment, while also enabling the growth of criminal networks.
Illegal Products Pose Health and Safety Risks
Illicit vape products often bypass regulatory safeguards, exposing consumers to potentially harmful substances.
These activities also result in lost tax revenue and environmental harm due to unsafe production and disposal practices.
Smugglers Use Deceptive Labeling to Avoid Detection
OLAF reported that seized goods were frequently misdeclared as unrelated items such as toys, clothing, towels, footwear, headphones, glassware, and essential oils.
Most of these products failed to comply with national regulations, including violations related to nicotine levels, prohibited flavors, labeling, and safety standards.
Operation Reveals New Smuggling Routes and Tactics
The investigation helped authorities identify new trafficking routes and concealment methods used to move illicit goods across borders.
OLAF Warns of Growing Threat to Public Health and Finances
OLAF Director-General Petr Klement emphasized that the illicit vape trade represents a serious and growing threat to both public health and public finances.
He urged consumers to remain cautious, noting that illegal products may contain dangerous substances.
Operation Strengthens Future Enforcement Capabilities
Beyond the seizures, OLAF stated that the operation improved understanding of how illicit vape goods are declared, transported, and distributed.
These insights will support future enforcement actions and strengthen risk analysis efforts in combating tobacco-related fraud.
