In a significant crackdown on illicit tobacco operations, Belgian authorities dismantled an illegal cigarette production site for the 11th time this year on Monday, marking a record number of such actions within a single year.
The Ministry of Finance announced the operation, which reflects a growing trend in the demand for cheap cigarettes amidst rising tobacco prices.
Florence Angelici, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance, clarified that while the number of dismantled sites is unprecedented, it does not necessarily indicate an increase in criminal activity.
“We know what we catch,” Angelici stated, emphasizing that the government’s enhanced detection capabilities contribute to the high number of operations.
The latest raid took place in East Flanders, where authorities discovered a warehouse equipped with a tobacco cutting line, production line, and packaging line.
Nineteen suspects, primarily from Ukraine, Romania, and Lithuania, were apprehended for questioning.
The operation resulted in the seizure of approximately 11 tonnes of tobacco and 5.6 million counterfeit Rothmans and Marlboro Touch cigarettes, representing an estimated loss of €6.2 million in evaded taxes for the Belgian state.
The implications of illegal cigarette production extend beyond financial losses. Angelici highlighted the public health risks associated with illicit tobacco, which often bypasses quality controls and facilitates easier access to smoking products.
“Illicit cigarettes come with a health cost,” she noted, underscoring the danger they pose to consumers. A report commissioned by the tobacco group Philip Morris International indicated that Belgium accounted for around 13% of illicit cigarette consumption in the European Union last year.
Angelici pointed out that many of the counterfeit cigarettes produced in Belgium are not intended for local markets but are instead smuggled to countries with higher demand, such as the UK and France.
This trend is exacerbated by Belgium’s strategic location, characterized by extensive road networks and proximity to key ports, making it an attractive hub for illegal cigarette production and smuggling operations.
The complexity of these criminal activities further complicates enforcement efforts. Angelici described the operations as “very well organized,” noting the presence of specialized criminals responsible for installing machinery and logistics, including transport.
While some domestic manufacturers may operate independently, there are indications that they utilize similar resources and networks as larger criminal organizations.
Despite the challenges of tackling illicit cigarette production on a broader scale, Angelici remains optimistic about the achievements of Belgian authorities.
The record number of dismantled sites reflects not only the urgency of the situation but also the specialized skills within the country’s enforcement agencies.
In 2024 alone, Belgian customs officials seized nearly 205 million cigarettes, resulting in an estimated €96 million in evaded tax.
As the authorities continue to combat the burgeoning illegal tobacco market, Angelici’s remarks serve as a reminder of the ongoing battle against organized crime and the need for vigilance in protecting public health and state revenues.
The government’s proactive measures aim to curb the illicit cigarette trade and mitigate its impact on Belgian society and the economy.
