Kassel - Three tons of illegal Shisha tobacco secured
More than three tons of illegally produced waterpipe tobacco were secured by the customs investigation during searches in nine residential and business premises in Kassel, according to the Frankfurt am Main Customs Office. In addition, approximately 700 liters of glycerin, 600 liters of aromas, over 180 liters of substitutes, and a large amount of packaging materials and production equipment for the illegal production of tobacco for waterpipes were seized, the Customs Office announced on Monday.
Furthermore, the investigators reportedly secured cash amounting to 26,500 Euro and electronic storage media such as cell phones and laptops.
"Through the seizure of the tobacco and the large quantity of raw materials and utensils for the production of further waterpipe tobacco, the Frankfurt am Main Customs Office was able to uncover a tax loss in the high six-figure range," explained a spokesperson for the agency. In addition, there is a risk of significant health damage, particularly from the consumption of illegally produced waterpipe tobacco.
The four-person suspect group from the Kassel region is being investigated for tax evasion and tax fraud through the illegal production and sale of untaxed waterpipe tobacco, according to the statement. The previously covert investigations, which were based on a tip from the Berlin-Brandenburg Customs Office, reportedly showed that the men, aged 21 to 34, were allegedly involved in the illegal production of waterpipe tobacco.
- The illegal tobacco production was not confined to Kassel alone, as similar evidence of criminality was also discovered in other locations within North Hesse.
- The suspects reportedly used a business room in Kassel as their main hub for the production and storage of the smuggled tobacco and related materials, including tobacco, glycerin, aromas, and substitutes.
- The seizure of these materials and equipment in North Hesse is expected to significantly impact the local tobacco business, particularly in the waterpipe segment, due to the disruption of the illegal operation.
- Authorities in Frankfurt am Main are working closely with their counterparts in Hesse and Berlin-Brandenburg to ensure that all aspects of this case related to tobacco smuggling, tax evasion, and fraud are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.
