One in three cigarettes is smuggled in Belgium: two to three criminal groups share the market

In Belgium, one in three cigarettes is a smuggling cigarette. However, A success due in particular at its attractive price. Nevertheless, These cigarettes are also more dangerous in the event of a fire, as they are not subject to any control. Moreover, Traffic, it is organized like that of narcotics.

The police operation takes place around Anderlecht’s slaughterhouses. Therefore, This is a well -known point of sale for smuggling cigarettes. Furthermore, All of a sudden, everything accelerates: the agents have just seen a suspect. Moreover, He is arrested without resistance. In addition, “You are illegal and sell illegal cigarettes,” said a police officer.

Resellers are undocumented. The scheme is identical to that of the drug deal: criminal organizations use small hands to sell the one three cigarettes smuggled belgium: new goods. Currently, two to three groups share the market.

“We are on criminal activities organized by very structured groups. And ultimately. when you arrive on the street, at the level of the sellers, we are on staff on illegal stay, mainly, “explains Michäel Strous, principal inspector of the proximity management of the Midi Police area.

The police also look for storage places, sometimes hidden in walls or one three cigarettes smuggled belgium: new spaces developed in production. Official eyeshadows cost around 100 euros. Those of smuggling, they sell for around thirty euros.

But where do these illegal cigarettes come from? “They are produced either in Belgium or outside the European Union. A notable evolution: ten years ago, the production centers identified were mainly located in the Eastern countries. Today, we are seeing more and more local productions, ”deplores Michäel Strous.

A source close to the environment confirms: some organizations work from Belgium. It is a very lucrative market: “These are people from the East who hold the market. Here, the financial penalties are very heavy but not the prison terms. Contrary to fance, this is why factories settle in Belgium, ”explains this source.

These cigarettes are one three cigarettes smuggled belgium: new not subject to any sanitary control or any tax.

What are the charges against members of these networks? Henri Laquay. lawyer specializing in criminal law details them:

• Violation of the general customs and excise law
• Participation in a criminal organization
• Money laundering
• Tax fraud

Justice can also pronounce the confiscation of production equipment and the seizure of goods purchased thanks to traffic money.