Ukraine’s Office of the Prosecutor General has dismantled an illicit supply chain for the production and sale of e-liquids. Prosecutors state that the criminal group established a comprehensive illegal distribution network for nicotine-containing mixtures and sold prohibited non-tobacco-flavored e-liquids. This illicit operation was sustained by over 200 participants, and seized assets are valued at approximately 30 million hryvnias (US$690,000).
Key Highlights
- The Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine, in conjunction with the Bureau of Economic Security, announced the dismantling of an illicit network for the production and sale of e-liquids that had been operating since 2023.
- Prosecutors stated that the group established a completely illegal distribution system for nicotine-containing mixtures and sold non-tobacco-flavored e-liquids, which are prohibited in Ukraine.
- The illicit network distributed its products through both physical retail outlets and online stores; the operation involved the participation of over 200 individuals.
During the special operation, law enforcement agencies conducted more than 70 simultaneous searches across Kyiv and the Kyiv, Kirovohrad, Poltava, Cherkasy, and Chernihiv regions. - The total value of the seized assets amounts to approximately 30 million hryvnias (equivalent to US$690,000).
Ukraine Dismantles Illegal E-Liquid Supply Network
April 14, 2026. According to information posted on social media by Ukraine’s Prosecutor General, Ruslan Kravchenko, the Office of the Prosecutor General—working alongside the Bureau of Economic Security—has dismantled an illicit supply chain for the production and sale of e-cigarette liquids that had been operating within Ukraine since 2023.
Prosecutors Uncover Large-Scale Illicit Distribution System
According to the official announcement, a criminal group organized a complete illicit supply chain for nicotine-containing mixtures and sold flavored e-liquids specifically, non-tobacco-flavored products, which are prohibited under Ukrainian law.
Illegal Vape Products Sold Through Retail and Online Channels
The announcement further stated that these illicit products were distributed through a branched sales network comprising both physical retail outlets and online stores operated by the group.
Over 200 Individuals Involved in Illegal Operation
This illicit enterprise was sustained by the involvement of over 200 participants.
Law Enforcement Conducts Nationwide Raids Across Multiple Regions
During this special operation, law enforcement agencies carried out more than 70 simultaneous searches across the city of Kyiv, as well as the Kyiv, Kirovohrad, Poltava, Cherkasy, and Chernihiv regions.
According to the official report, the search locations included the residences of the organizers, production facilities, and retail outlets for finished products.
Authorities Seize Large Quantities of Vape Materials and Equipment
Law enforcement officers seized approximately 43,500 units of flavorings, 30,200 units of glycerin, 36,000 units of flavor and potency enhancers, 19,800 vape cartridges, 3,600 cartridge systems, and 27 pieces of equipment. Additionally, raw materials—including 180 liters of propylene glycol, 660 liters of glycerin, and 205 liters of flavorings—were confiscated.
Cash, Equipment, and Records Confiscated in Operation
Furthermore, authorities seized over $70,000 in cash, computer equipment, and handwritten records on the activities of the individuals involved in the case.
Seized Assets Valued at Approximately $690,000
The report states that the total value of the seized assets amounts to approximately 30 million hryvnias (equivalent to approximately $690,000 USD); these assets are subject to seizure.
Investigation Ongoing as Authorities Identify Suspects
The report also notes that the unauthorized small-scale structures used as retail points for selling the products have been dismantled.
The investigation remains ongoing, as law enforcement agencies work to identify all individuals involved in the case and prepare further procedural decisions.
