The turnover of illegal cigarettes in Bryansk region is increasing every year and, according to statistics for 2019, it accounts for 48.8% of the market. This is mainly due to the proximity of borders with Belarus (200 km). Due to the proliferation of illegal products on the territory of the Russian Federation, the federal budget from all its subjects loses about one billion rubles (13 250 649 USD) each year.
Despite the active work of the Ministry of Internal Affairs employees, infringers discover new ways to get around the law every year. Thus, countering the growth of the illegal cigarette market requires active measures.
Within the program’s framework to combat illicit trade in tobacco products, Vlasta-Consulting regularly conducts trainings for police and customs officers. The main goal of the program is to assist law enforcement officers in the suppression of illegal tobacco trafficking in the Russian Federation.
In July 2020, Vlasta Consulting company conducted a training for the employees of the regional department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for Bryansk. During the training, the operatives were trained on the signs and types of illegal cigarettes, and during the practical part of the training they visited sale points with dubious products. As a result, more than 300 units of illegal products were discovered and seized.
Such events demonstrate the effectiveness of an integrated approach to interaction with law enforcement agencies. Trainings and seminars have already become a regular practice and are conducted by Vlasta Consulting in regions throughout Russia.
