Cross-border cigarettes smuggling network dismantled
A joint investigation targeting cigarettes smuggling between Romania and Serbia and Montenegro resulted in 11 traffickers arrested on the territories of the two countries, as well as significant quantities of cigarettes and other goods being seized.
The information exchange started in April, 2006, based on an assistance request the Romanian authorities sent to the SECI Center.
According to the collected intelligence, the criminal network was buying cigarettes from the duty-free shops area, near Moldova Veche Harbour (on the Romanian side), respectively Veliko Gradiste (Serbian side) border check points. The cigarettes were illegally smuggled into the two countries and subsequently sold on the black market.
The illegal activities were monitored by the law enforcement agencies of the two countries, while the permanent information exchange was coordinated through the Romanian, respectively Serbian liaison officer at the SECI Center.
A preparatory meeting for the common operation gathering together prosecutors and law enforcement representatives from both countries was organized in Timisoara (Romania) by the SECI Center.
On 13th of May 2006, 3 Serbian nationals were caught in the act while transporting the cigarettes over the border. The fourth arrested suspect was the owner of the boats used to smuggle the cigarettes into Serbia and Montenegro. Two boats and 8339 cigarettes cartons in value of 110,000 euros were seized on the Serbian territory. Additionally, several written notices referring to previous deliveries were found.
Two days later, 7 employees of the duty-free shops were arrested in Romania as well. The searches conducted at their residences revealed a hunting gun, several mobile phones, accounting documents, gold jewels, 350 cigarettes cartons and 33,000 euros.
The investigations continue under the coordination of the prosecutors in both countries.
The information exchange started in April, 2006, based on an assistance request the Romanian authorities sent to the SECI Center.
According to the collected intelligence, the criminal network was buying cigarettes from the duty-free shops area, near Moldova Veche Harbour (on the Romanian side), respectively Veliko Gradiste (Serbian side) border check points. The cigarettes were illegally smuggled into the two countries and subsequently sold on the black market.
The illegal activities were monitored by the law enforcement agencies of the two countries, while the permanent information exchange was coordinated through the Romanian, respectively Serbian liaison officer at the SECI Center.
A preparatory meeting for the common operation gathering together prosecutors and law enforcement representatives from both countries was organized in Timisoara (Romania) by the SECI Center.
On 13th of May 2006, 3 Serbian nationals were caught in the act while transporting the cigarettes over the border. The fourth arrested suspect was the owner of the boats used to smuggle the cigarettes into Serbia and Montenegro. Two boats and 8339 cigarettes cartons in value of 110,000 euros were seized on the Serbian territory. Additionally, several written notices referring to previous deliveries were found.
Two days later, 7 employees of the duty-free shops were arrested in Romania as well. The searches conducted at their residences revealed a hunting gun, several mobile phones, accounting documents, gold jewels, 350 cigarettes cartons and 33,000 euros.
The investigations continue under the coordination of the prosecutors in both countries.
11 November 2008 - 12 November 2008
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