Sales of ‘Made in EU’ counterfeit cigarettes surge in Europe
- Posted on September 8, 2026
- By Financial Times
- 4 Views
- 1 min read
European law enforcement faces mounting challenges as organized crime syndicates shift tactics, establishing clandestine manufacturing operations within EU borders to produce counterfeit cigarettes. This strategic pivot follows intensified efforts to dismantle traditional smuggling networks crossing international boundaries. The illicit tobacco industry continues adapting to enforcement measures, with domestic production enabling criminal organizations to circumvent customs controls and maintain substantial profit margins while evading detection.
Summary auto-generated by AI from the original publisher's content. Editorial standards.