Finances Ministry of Georgia confiscates a record volume of fake alcohol and cigarettes.
Illegal Alcohol Factory Shut Down in Georgia, Millions in Counterfeit Products Seized
In a significant breakthrough, the Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance of Georgia has confiscated a vast quantity of counterfeit alcoholic beverages and excisable cigarettes without proper excise marks. The illegal factory, which had been operating for several years, was discovered hidden away and produced both Georgian and foreign branded alcoholic beverages in a handicraft manner.
The operation, which extends to the production and sale of excisable cigarettes, saw the confiscation of 75,137 bottles of alcoholic beverages, including well-known brands like Beluga, Belveder, Grey Goose, Borkan, and Chivas Regal, all lacking excise stamps. Approximately 24 tons of alcohol-containing liquid intended for counterfeit beverages were found at the facility.
The investigation, which is being carried out under the third part of Article 196 and the fourth part of Article 200 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, also uncovered 318,000 boxes of excisable Karelia cigarettes without excise marks. A nearby warehouse revealed technical equipment for packaging and production, further evidence of the scale of the illegal activities.
Seven individuals linked to the operation have been detained, and the potential sentences for the crime range from seven to ten years of imprisonment. The estimated value of the seized products could reach tens of millions of GEL.
The seized products are currently undergoing expert evaluation. The investigation continues to uncover more details about the illegal factory and its operations. It is believed that the facility may have been operating for several years, with the operation involving individuals who have been detained by authorities.
Interestingly, the illegal Karelia cigarettes without tax stamps confiscated in Georgia were produced by an unidentified party; there is no publicly disclosed company or person officially responsible.
This discovery serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to the law and the consequences of engaging in illegal activities. The Ministry of Finance of Georgia continues to work diligently to combat such activities and protect the integrity of the country's economy.
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