Customs seizes thousand smuggled e-cigarettes

Finnish Customs has uncovered a major case of smuggling involving e-cigarettes, or so-called vapes, in the Helsinki region, said Customs in a press release on Tuesday.

The suspect hailed from Lappeenranta ordered illicit e-cigarettes from China, and sought significant proceeds of crime by selling the vapes.

Customs detected the illicit import of e-cigarettes while conducting regular customs controls at a courier terminal in the Helsinki region.

The detected consignment comprised about one thousand e-cigarettes that contained nicotine.

When investigating the matter, Customs found out that the suspect had ordered about 1 600 e-cigarettes from China during 2023. Customs was able to seize about a thousand e-cigarettes, while 600 e-cigarettes ended up in consumption.

“At Customs we have observed that young persons order vapes to an increasing extent. Not all of those persons always know that it is illegal to order and distribute e-cigarettes. Once you get caught doing that, it always entails criminal liability,” said investigation officer Marko Laitinen.

Internet orders of e-cigarettes can have long-term effects. The type and scope of any uncovered criminal offence are always relevant in terms of consequences. In cases involving e-cigarettes, penalties may range from a fine to imprisonment.

Criminal proceeds of thousands of euros can turn into heavy costs to the State.

“As a rule, the person involved must pay the amount of evaded taxes and the possible criminal proceeds to the State. The sums to be paid can be very substantial, and a person may have to pay them for years on end,” Laitinen added.

Private persons are not allowed to order e-cigarettes or liquids containing nicotine from outside of Finland by means of distance communication, for example through the Internet.

The person based in Lappeenranta is suspected of tax fraud and smuggling. In addition to facing possible criminal consequences, the suspect may be required to pay several thousands of euros in criminal proceeds to the State.

The suspect may also be obligated to pay several thousands of euros in import duties. Customs has transferred the case to the Prosecution District of Southern Finland who will decide on criminal charges.