Shandong authorities have made significant strides in combating e-cigarette smuggling by uncovering a criminal gang involved in illegal activities.
Unveiling the Criminal Gang
Investigation Initiation:
Prompted by a tip-off regarding the sale of flavored e-cigarettes to minors, the Kenli Branch of the Dongying Public Security Bureau launched an investigation into a suspected shop in its jurisdiction.
Collaborative Efforts:
A special task force was formed, comprising public security and tobacco law enforcement departments, to conduct a thorough investigation using data analysis methods and multidimensional approaches.
Scope of Illegal Activities:
The criminal gang, consisting of 11 individuals, was involved in smuggling e-cigarettes from abroad and illegally selling non-standard products across six provinces in China, with funds exceeding 10 million yuan.
Modus Operandi and Logistics
Transport Channels:
The gang primarily utilized logistics channels to transport e-cigarettes, targeting adolescents as their main clientele and operating clandestinely across multiple provinces.
Source Tracing:
Through extensive data analysis and investigation, authorities traced the source of illegal e-cigarettes to Vietnamese, Hong Kong, and Japanese versions.
Apprehension and Ongoing Investigation
Successful Apprehension:
Authorities have successfully apprehended the criminal suspects involved in the case, marking a significant breakthrough in the crackdown on e-cigarette smuggling in Shandong Province.
Ongoing Investigation:
The case remains under further investigation as authorities continue to gather evidence and unravel the full extent of the criminal activities perpetrated by the gang.
