Transcaucasian Nationals Detained in Chita for Counterfeit Cigarettes

FSB officers, together with police, identified and detained two individuals from Transcaucasian countries who purchased a large batch of counterfeit cigarettes for their further sale in the Transbaikal region. This was reported by Chita.Ru on January 31 from the press service of the Russian FSB for the region.

«During operational activities, more than 27,000 packs of tobacco products of various brands without excise stamps were found and seized in three rented warehouse premises from the perpetrators, with a total value of over 3.3 million rubles (over $36,700 at current rates),» according to the statement.

In connection with this, the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs for the Transbaikal Territory has initiated a criminal case on grounds of a crime provided for by Part 6 of Article 171.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation — the production, acquisition, storage, transportation, or sale of goods and products without labeling and (or) applying information required by the legislation of the Russian Federation.

The maximum penalty under this article provides for up to 6 years of imprisonment.