The Latvian News Agency reported that since December 2024, the State Border Guard has been conducting a criminal investigation against an organized crime syndicate producing counterfeit cigarettes in the towns of Ludza, Riga, Rezekne, and Daugavpils that have led to numerous searches, seizures, and arrests. Police believe this illegal production has been ongoing for 10 years.
Last week, a total of 32 people were detained, including 25 Ukrainians who were arrested at a factory in Ludza where they were producing counterfeit cigarettes to be passed off as Marlboro, Prince, Winston, and LM cigarettes. That raid seized 300 million cigarettes and 47 tons of shredded tobacco leaves, as well as property worth €13 million and a fleet of refurbished retro-luxury cars.
Had the illegal cigarettes ended up on the Latvian market, officials said the total loss to the state would have been more than €75 million.
