Seized Counterfeit Cigarettes: 160,000 Smuggled Cigarettes Identified; Saarbrücker Customs Office Investigates Fake Brand
In an incident that took place at the Main Customs Office Saarbrücken on Tuesday evening, a vehicle originating from Luxembourg was stopped at the "Alte Moselbrücke" border crossing by the Customs Control Unit (KEV). The vehicle contained an astonishing 160,000 cigarettes without German tax stamps, leading to a suspected case of tax evasion.
The driver of the vehicle, a 20-year-old individual, was found with the contraband. The cigarettes discovered in the vehicle are also suspected to be counterfeit. As a result, a tax fraud investigation has been initiated against the driver.
Karin Schmidt, spokesperson for the Main Customs Office Saarbrücken, made a statement regarding the seized cigarettes. She confirmed that the tax evasion caused by the smuggling of the cigarettes amounts to approximately 33,000 euros, which was seized on the spot.
The further investigation will be handled by the Customs Investigation Office Frankfurt am Main - Branch Office Kaiserslautern. However, the search did not provide information about the identity of the 20-year-old driver found with the counterfeit cigarettes. No further information about the driver or any potential accomplices was provided.
The location of the border crossing is "Alte Moselbrücke." The press inquiries regarding this incident should be directed to Karin Schmidt of the Main Customs Office Saarbrücken. Her email for press inquiries is [email protected].
The Main Customs Office Saarbrücken will handle the investigation's findings and any potential legal proceedings. The official website for further information is www.zoll.de. It is a reminder that smuggling cigarettes is a criminal offense, and such actions not only evade taxes but also potentially support illegal activities.
