Lommel, Belgium – Belgian customs authorities dismantled the largest illegal cigarette production site ever discovered in the country on Thursday, seizing millions of cigarettes and arresting dozens of workers.
The raid, conducted around 17:30 in a warehouse on Gerard Mercatorlaan in Lommel (Limbourg), uncovered a fully operational clandestine factory running on a 24/7 basis.
Authorities found four complete production and packaging lines inside the warehouse, confirming the scale of the operation.
According to customs officials, the factory was producing massive quantities of cigarettes intended for the black market, avoiding millions in taxes and duties.
50 Workers Found at the Site
Upon entering the facility, customs officers discovered approximately 50 individuals working inside, mainly of Ukrainian, Moldovan, and Romanian nationality.
These workers were found operating machinery and handling packaging materials. Investigators suspect they were working under exploitative conditions, as similar illegal operations in the past have often involved poor working conditions and low wages.
The workers have been taken into custody for questioning as authorities seek to determine the masterminds behind the illegal operation. Investigations are ongoing to establish any potential links to organized crime networks operating across Europe.
30 Million Cigarettes and Tonnes of Tobacco Seized
In addition to the production lines, officers seized an estimated 30 million cigarettes, stored inside two trucks parked near the warehouse.
The confiscated goods represent over €14.4 million in evaded taxes, officials confirmed. Several tonnes of raw tobacco and large quantities of packaging materials mimicking popular cigarette brands were also found inside the warehouse.
Authorities believe the operation was capable of producing tens of millions of cigarettes per month, making it the most significant illegal production site uncovered in Belgian history.
First Factory Bust of 2025 Amid Rising Crackdowns
This is the first illegal cigarette factory to be dismantled in Belgium in 2025, following a record number of busts last year. In 2024, Belgian authorities uncovered and shut down twelve clandestine cigarette factories, highlighting the scale of illicit tobacco production in the country.
The rise of illegal cigarette production in Belgium and across Europe has been linked to increasing taxation on tobacco products, leading criminal organizations to exploit the demand for cheaper alternatives.
Smuggled and counterfeit cigarettes often pose health risks due to unregulated production and the potential inclusion of harmful substances.
Government Response and Future Measures
Belgian customs officials have reiterated their commitment to tackling illegal cigarette production and smuggling. They are working closely with European law enforcement agencies to dismantle supply chains and identify key figures behind such operations.
Authorities also urge the public to report suspicious activities, as illegal factories often operate in remote industrial areas to avoid detection. The Belgian government is expected to introduce stricter regulations and enhanced surveillance measures to combat the growing issue of illicit cigarette production.
With the latest bust in Lommel, customs officials have sent a strong message to criminal networks operating in Belgium. Investigators remain vigilant, anticipating further discoveries as they intensify their crackdown on illegal tobacco operations in the country.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
