Investigators:
The Jelenia Góra District Prosecutor’s Office supervised an investigation conducted by the Border Guard Post in Zgorzelec into the activities of an organized criminal group involved in smuggling tobacco products. The products were brought in from Lithuania and then taken over by people living in the Podlaskie and Warmian-Masurian Voivodeships.
The goods obtained in this way were transported to Lower Silesia, where they were handed over to other people operating within the group.
The illegal cigarettes were ultimately transported to the Czech Republic and Germany or sold in Poland. (The group was also involved in manufacturing tobacco products.)
Jelenia Góra District Prosecutor’s Office:
As a result of the illegal import, export and processing of excise goods, the State Treasury was exposed to a shortfall in public-law liabilities estimated at a total of PLN 44,803,914.
The investigators add:
During the investigative activities, a number of vehicles of various makes, computer equipment, several dozen phones, money, and other items of evidentiary value or subject to seizure were discovered and detained. Property with an estimated value of PLN 1,949,593 was secured, and six people were remanded in custody.
Ultimately, 12 people were charged with fiscal offenses. Some members of the group also faced charges related to participation in and directing a criminal group, as well as possession of firearms.
At the end of June, two indictments against the members were filed with the Jelenia Góra District Court. A total of 10 people were indicted. (The investigation is still ongoing with regard to two suspects.)
The defendants are residents of the Podlaskie and Lower Silesian Voivodeships, aged between 32 and 44. They face between six months and as much as eight years in prison.