According to the pre-trial investigation data, the defendants, having distributed roles and acting together with accomplices, intercepted cigarettes transported by meteorological balloons across the state border from Belarus to Lithuania. It was established that on August 1 last year, the defendants intercepted 1.5 thousand packs of “Minsk Capital QS” cigarettes, marked with Belarusian excise stamps, the value of which amounted to almost 7.8 thousand euros.
Read more Ceramics Days in Klaipėda: lectures on tiles and art directions
The data collected during the investigation reasonably suggest that an organized group operating in Belarus and Lithuania, acting according to a criminal plan, used means for transporting excisable goods – balloons, GPS devices, and mobile communication equipment, which created conditions for systematic cigarette smuggling.
Read more ECB made a decision on interest rates
The defendants, having joined the organized group and acting according to their assigned roles, intercepted smuggled cigarettes, hid them, handed them over to other accomplices, and also concealed the means used to carry out the criminal activity.
Read more Brief: Nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia depends on 1 thing
The defendants face a fine or imprisonment for up to four years.
The criminal case has been transferred to the Druskininkai Chamber of the Alytus District Court for consideration.
