On 7 October, EUBAM brought together key national and international stakeholders in Chisinau for the 2025 Annual Task Force Tobacco Meeting, united in their efforts to combat the growing challenges of illegal cigarette production and smuggling across the region.
Under the theme “Illicit Tobacco Trade: Uncovering the Networks of Illegal Manufacturing and Distribution,” the meeting gathered representatives from the law enforcement agencies of the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, Poland, and Romania, together with experts from the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), Europol, Frontex, and private sector partners UkrTyutyun, KPMG, JTI, and PMI.
Participants exchanged information and operational insights on illegal cigarette production and latest smuggling trends, the economic impact of illicit trade, tactics used by organized crime groups, and successful joint investigations.
Discussions highlighted a concerning shift – illegal cigarette production is increasingly moving closer to consumer markets, allowing criminals to reduce transportation risks, adapt faster to enforcement actions, and maximize profits.
To counter these developments, participants explored innovative tools such as real-time tracking of tobacco shipments combined with risk-based interventions to improve the effectiveness of border controls and joint investigations.
In his remarks, Mr Slawomir Pichor, Head of EUBAM, emphasized that only coordinated, cross-border action can effectively address this transnational challenge: “Illicit tobacco trade not only deprives our economies of essential revenue but also fuels organized crime and undermines border security. The strong engagement we witnessed today from both EU and national partners reflects our shared determination to dismantle these networks through joint operational efforts and modern risk management tools.”
The Task Force Tobacco remains one of EUBAM’s flagship initiatives, strengthening cooperation, intelligence sharing, and analytical capacities among regional and EU law enforcement partners. By aligning with EU best practices, it continues to promote safer and more transparent borders between the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, and the European Union.
The European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM) launched Task Force Tobacco in 2010. It offers a platform for law enforcement agencies of the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, Poland, and Romania, as well as EU agencies and the private sector, to combat illicit tobacco trade.
