Scandal: Warehouse with 50,000 contraband vapes busted in police operation

10.07.2026 | Crime News

A large-scale operation has uncovered an illegal shipment of 50,000 vapes without excise stamps. The investigation leads to a prominent businessman, owner of a fitness chain and a construction entrepreneur.

Снимка от Pannet, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Operation against the illegal trade of electronic cigarettes

During a specialized police operation, a warehouse storing a huge amount of goods without excise labels was raided. The nearly 50,000 confiscated vapes were prepared for distribution on the black market, which represents a serious blow to legal business and budget revenues.

Sources close to the investigation reveal that the tenant of the warehouse is not a random person.

Who is behind the scheme?

The name that has emerged in the investigation is surprising to many. The tenant of the premises turns out to be the owner of one of the largest fitness center chains in the country. In addition to sports, the businessman also has large-scale interests in the construction sector, developing several major residential building projects.

Law enforcement authorities are currently clarifying whether this is an organized criminal group or an isolated case of circumventing the law. Charges are expected to be filed upon the completion of procedural and investigative actions.