French authorities dismantled an international tobacco trafficking network linked to Bulgarian nationals following a year-long investigation that began in July 2024 with the seizure of 15 tons of illicit cigarettes in western France. The operation uncovered a structured smuggling route moving illegal cigarettes from Italy and Bulgaria through France to Belgium. Investigators later seized 450 kg of cigarettes and 14.7 tons of raw tobacco at a warehouse near Brussels.
Earlier this month, police arrested the suspected convoy organizer and two lorry drivers, confiscating nearly 30 tons of counterfeit cigarettes from two trucks. Six people associated with this network have been charged with organized tobacco trafficking, criminal conspiracy, and money laundering, with three Bulgarian suspects placed in provisional detention.
