A large organised crime group suspected of smuggling counterfeit cigarettes into Europe has been targeted in a coordinated operation across five countries on 24 March.
The action day, led by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Turin, Italy, took place in Italy, Poland, France, the United Kingdom and Switzerland with Europol’s support.
Investigation began with major seizure in Italy
The investigation was launched in September 2024 following the seizure of 12 million counterfeit cigarettes at the Port of Genoa. The cigarettes had been produced in Armenia and shipped via Georgia before entering the EU.
Further analysis of suspicious container movements at the Port of Genoa enabled investigators to identify a transnational criminal organisation with an operational base in the United Kingdom and connections across Europe, Africa and Asia.
The network used maritime and commercial routes designed to evade customs inspections. Shipments were routed through multiple countries, including Georgia, Kenya, the Netherlands and Türkiye, to conceal the true origin of the illicit goods. The cigarettes were destined for the black market in several European countries.
In October 2024, authorities arrested port workers suspected of facilitating the smuggling operation. Investigators seized mobile phones and cloned container seals, pointing to insider involvement in bypassing port controls.
Authorities also identified the use of fraudulent customs declarations, with goods declared as construction materials to disguise cigarette shipments. False-bottom containers were used to conceal the illicit cargo.
These findings led to the identification of a wider criminal network operating across multiple countries.
Family-led network with cross-crime links
The group is believed to operate as a family-led organisation coordinating the import and distribution of counterfeit cigarettes into Europe.
Investigators also established links between the suspects and other high-level Turkish criminals involved in serious organised crime, including drug trafficking.
The network relied on a wider support infrastructure. A company in the Genoa area was allegedly used to facilitate customs procedures and avoid inspections, while warehouses in the province of Alessandria were used to store and redistribute the smuggled tobacco.
An IT specialist created fake websites and email addresses to conceal the identities of consignees in customs documentation. The criminal organisation also used encrypted communication platforms to avoid law enforcement detection.
Action day targets suspects and assets
On the action day, law enforcement authorities carried out arrests, searches and seizures aimed at dismantling the network.
Five suspects were placed in pre-trial detention in Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom. Authorities also seized assets worth approximately EUR 2.5 million.
Earlier enforcement activities led to the seizure of over 40 tonnes of illicit tobacco products. The estimated loss in customs duties, excise duties and VAT exceeds EUR 10 million, while the market value of the seized goods is estimated at around EUR 15 million.
Authorities are analysing seized material to establish connections across the network, including the use of cryptocurrencies and communication tools to coordinate criminal activities.
Europol supports cross-border investigation
Italian authorities requested Europol’s support to facilitate international coordination and operational analysis.
Europol supported the investigation by:
- Performing cross-checks and operational analysis, including on cryptocurrency wallets
- Supporting information exchange through secure channels
- Organising operational meetings
On the action day, Europol deployed a mobile office to the operational command centre in Genoa, enabling real-time information exchange and analysis. A cryptocurrency specialist was also deployed in the United Kingdom to support financial investigations on the ground.
The following authorities took part in the investigation:
- EPPO
- Italy: Customs Agency (Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli – ADM), Financial Police (Guardia di Finanza), Anti-Mafia Investigation Directorate (Direzione Investigativa Antimafia – DIA)
- France: French Customs – National Anti-Fraud Office (Office national anti-fraude – ONAF)
- Poland: National Police
- United Kingdom: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), Metropolitan Police Service (MET), National Crime Agency (NCA)
- Switzerland: Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS)
