Contraband
616 million cigarettes seized in the EU in 2023
The European authorities seized 616 million smuggled cigarettes last year. In addition, 140 tons of raw tobacco and six tons of tobacco for water pipes were seized in raids by the European Anti-Fraud Office (Olaf) in 2023.
In addition to the EU countries, authorities in Turkey, Montenegro and the United Arab Emirates were also involved, as the European office announced on Thursday.
Millions in damage applied
"These seizures have prevented damage to public budgets amounting to over 150 million euros," explained Olaf Director General Ville Itälä.
These seizures have prevented damage to public budgets amounting to over 150 million euros.
Olaf-Generaldirektor Ville Itälä
Most seized at the EU's external border
Just over half of the smuggled cigarettes were seized at the EU's external borders, while around a quarter had been produced illegally within the EU. The remaining cigarettes were confiscated in third countries.
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