Three residents of Bashkortostan operated an underground workshop inside a warehouse to manufacture liquid formulations intended for electronic cigarettes. The information came from an official representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and was shared on the ministry’s Telegram channel. The report identifies the participants and describes the covert nature of the operation, which aimed to produce and distribute vape liquids outside any regulatory oversight. The disclosure underscores the seriousness with which authorities treat illicit manufacturing and distribution of regulated consumer goods, especially those linked to health-related products. The case illustrates how unregistered production facilities can operate under the radar, using warehouses as convenient cover to scale up output and circumvent quality controls that protect public health. In the broader context, the incident echoes ongoing regulatory efforts to monitor and crack down on counterfeit or unsafe components used in vaping products and similar consumables.
In Neftekamsk, the trio staged a full production cycle. They prepared liquids for electronic cigarettes, poured them into sale-ready containers, labeled the packages, and completed the wrapping and palletizing that would allow for transport. The illegal workshop operated from a warehouse, enabling a continuous workflow that bypassed proper manufacturing controls and safety checks. The operation’s scale and the sequence of steps reveal an organized approach designed to mimic legitimate industry practices while evading oversight. Investigators note that such setups often rely on inexpensive ingredients and absent or fraudulent labeling, which can mislead buyers and mask substandard safety standards. This pattern aligns with broader enforcement goals aimed at safeguarding consumers from unregulated products that pose potential health risks and legal consequences for those involved in their production and sale.
During searches of the warehouse and a private home belonging to one of the suspects, investigators seized approximately 90 thousand pieces of finished product that lacked the marks required by law. This seizure underscores the scale of the operation and the deliberate avoidance of regulatory labeling. Law enforcement stresses that missing or falsified labeling makes it difficult to trace ingredients, batch numbers, and production dates, all of which are essential for recall procedures and public health monitoring. The find also highlights how illicit producers attempt to profit by selling unverified products that escape standard consumer protections. Officials emphasize that such labeling gaps are a clear indicator of noncompliant goods, and they warn that offenders face strict penalties as investigations continue and prosecutors consider charges related to the illicit manufacture and distribution of regulated items.
The value of the seized goods was estimated at more than 70 million rubles, and a criminal case was opened against the suspects. The actions may carry significant penalties given the alleged illicit production and sale of regulated goods. Authorities point out that the financial scale of these illegal activities often reflects organized scheming and a deliberate attempt to obscure true origins and safety compliance. The ongoing criminal proceedings will examine every link in the supply chain, from raw materials to final packaging, to establish responsibility and deter future violations. Public health authorities also monitor such cases closely, since the introduction of unregulated vape liquids into the market can pose risks to users, especially younger customers who might be drawn to unsupervised or low-cost alternatives.
It was previously reported that in Saratov authorities halted illegal production and sale of fruit juices that did not meet safety requirements. Officers seized about 2.5 thousand bottles of finished products, along with empty containers, equipment, and raw materials found at production and warehouse facilities. This earlier incident illustrates a broader regional pattern where enforcement agencies respond to suspected violations of safety standards in consumable liquids. By dismantling storage sites and confiscating equipment and batches that lack proper labeling, investigators disrupt illicit supply chains and send a message that unsafe products will be removed from circulation. The Saratov case, together with other regional actions, reinforces the need for robust oversight and rapid response mechanisms to protect consumers and ensure compliance with regulatory rules.
Earlier reports from Perm noted the capture of 45 tons of counterfeit alcohol, highlighting the broad crackdown across regions aimed at safeguarding consumer safety and upholding labeling standards for consumable goods. The cases reflect ongoing efforts to curb illegal manufacturing and distribution of regulated liquids and beverages, reminding the public that adulterated or mislabeled products pose tangible risks. Police and prosecutors continue to coordinate across jurisdictions to seal off illegal routes, trace supply chains, and pursue charges that reflect the severity of these offenses. In the meantime, authorities urge consumers to be vigilant about product labeling and source reliability, as legitimate market players rely on strict compliance to protect public health and maintain fair competition in the sector.