A major international operation targeting counterfeit cigarette smuggling Europe has led to arrests, asset seizures and the dismantling of a transnational organised crime group operating across five countries.
The coordinated action, led by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Turin with support from Europol, took place on 24 March in Italy, Poland, France, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. Authorities say the network had a significant operational base in the UK and extensive links spanning Europe, Africa and Asia.
Investigation triggered by massive seizure in Italy
The investigation into counterfeit cigarette smuggling Europe began in September 2024 after authorities seized 12 million fake cigarettes at the Port of Genoa.
The shipment had originated in Armenia, travelled through Georgia, and entered the European Union via complex maritime routes designed to avoid detection.
Further analysis of suspicious container movements at Genoa revealed a sophisticated criminal network coordinating shipments across multiple countries. These routes included transit points in Georgia, Kenya, the Netherlands and Türkiye, helping to disguise the origin of the illicit tobacco.
Investigators discovered that the counterfeit cigarettes were destined for black market distribution across several European countries, highlighting the scale of the operation.
Sophisticated smuggling methods uncovered
Authorities identified a range of tactics used by the group to facilitate counterfeit cigarette smuggling Europe while evading customs checks.
These included fraudulent customs declarations, where shipments were falsely labelled as construction materials, as well as the use of false-bottom containers to conceal illegal goods.
In October 2024, port workers suspected of assisting the operation were arrested. Seized mobile phones and cloned container seals indicated insider involvement in bypassing port security systems.
The group also relied on advanced digital tools. An IT specialist created fake websites and email accounts to obscure the identities of consignees, while encrypted communication platforms were used to coordinate activities and avoid law enforcement detection.
Family-led network with global links
Investigators believe the operation was run as a family-led criminal enterprise overseeing the import and distribution of counterfeit cigarettes throughout Europe.
The group maintained links to high-level Turkish organised crime figures, with connections extending into other illicit activities, including drug trafficking.
A company based in the Genoa area was allegedly used to manage customs procedures and reduce scrutiny, while warehouses in the Alessandria province served as storage and redistribution hubs.
This infrastructure allowed the network to operate efficiently across borders and sustain a steady flow of illegal tobacco products into European markets.
Arrests and asset seizures across Europe
On the coordinated action day, law enforcement agencies carried out arrests, searches and asset seizures targeting key figures in the network.
Five suspects were placed in pre-trial detention across Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom. Authorities also seized assets worth approximately €2.5 million.
Earlier operations linked to the case had already resulted in the seizure of more than 40 tonnes of illicit tobacco products.
Officials estimate that the criminal activity caused losses exceeding €10 million in customs duties, excise taxes and VAT, while the market value of the seized goods is believed to be around €15 million.
Investigators are continuing to analyse seized materials, including digital evidence, to uncover further links within the network and track the use of cryptocurrencies in financing operations.
Europol coordination and international cooperation
Europol played a central role in supporting the investigation into counterfeit cigarette smuggling Europe, facilitating cooperation between multiple national authorities.
The agency conducted operational analysis, including checks on cryptocurrency wallets, and enabled secure information sharing between participating countries.
Europol also organised coordination meetings and deployed a mobile office to the command centre in Genoa during the action day, allowing real-time intelligence exchange.
A cryptocurrency specialist was deployed to the United Kingdom to assist with financial investigations, reflecting the increasing role of digital assets in organised crime.
Participating authorities included EPPO, Italian customs and financial police, anti-mafia investigators, French customs, Polish police, UK agencies including HM Revenue and Customs, the Metropolitan Police and the National Crime Agency, as well as Swiss customs authorities.
Growing threat of illicit tobacco trade in Europe
The crackdown highlights the growing challenge of counterfeit cigarette smuggling Europe, which continues to cost governments billions in lost tax revenue each year.
Illicit tobacco trade is often linked to wider organised crime networks, including drug trafficking, money laundering and human smuggling.
Criminal groups exploit global supply chains, weak points in customs systems and advanced concealment techniques to move counterfeit goods across borders.
Authorities across Europe have increasingly prioritised joint operations and intelligence sharing to tackle these networks, recognising that cross-border cooperation is essential to disrupting complex criminal enterprises.
Ongoing investigations and next steps
Officials have confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with further arrests and seizures possible as authorities analyse the evidence gathered during the operation.
The use of encrypted communications and cryptocurrencies is expected to remain a key focus for investigators as they work to dismantle remaining elements of the network.
Law enforcement agencies have stressed that continued vigilance and international collaboration will be critical in addressing the evolving threat posed by organised crime groups involved in illicit trade.