The Chernivtsi Regional Court sentenced three members of an organized criminal group who systematically exported counterfeit cigarettes abroad under the guise of empty gas carriers. The case involves more than 800 thousand cigarettes, including Marlboro tobacco products owned by Philip Morris Brands Sarl.
Sayenko Kharenko led the case in court.
The court ruled to impose a total fine of about UAH 4.5 million to the state budget, banned further transportation of excisable goods, and confiscated the seized property, including semi-trailers used in the illegal activities. He also ordered the destruction of all counterfeit tobacco products (over 800 thousand cigarettes), printing equipment and packaging materials.
This is Philip Morris’ second successful case in Ukraine to protect the company’s brands in court.
This case demonstrates the effectiveness of protecting the interests of legal businesses that systematically pay taxes and contribute to the state budget. This is especially important during a full-scale war in Ukraine, when every contribution to the budget is critical.
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In February 2024, customs officers, together with the State Bureau of Investigation, detained gas tankers registered as empty on the border of Ukraine and Romania. After inspection, 335 boxes of counterfeit Marlboro cigarettes were found in the tanks. This is the first time law enforcement officers have exposed a systematic scheme of smuggling counterfeit Marlboro cigarettes into the EU. The case became high-profile and attracted the attention of international partners and G7 ambassadors.
The illegal tobacco market remains a critical problem in Ukraine. According to a study by Kantar Ukraine, in July 2024, the level of illegality was 14.6%, down from a historic high of more than 25% as of October 2023. State budget losses are estimated at UAH 20 billion per year.