US EditionLithuania arrests 21 in alleged cigarette smuggling ring using weather balloons from Belarus
Authorities arrested 21 suspects linked to a criminal network that smuggled cigarettes using weather balloons, causing airport closures and border disruptions, officials said.
- Lithuanian authorities arrested 21 people allegedly connected to a cigarette smuggling ring using weather balloons from Belarus.
- The alleged criminal network had strict roles, systematically smuggled cigarettes from Belarus via weather balloons, and maintained contacts with accomplices in Belarus.
- Authorities seized contraband cigarettes, firearms, communication equipment, luxury cars, and other property valued at around €720,000 during searches.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Lithuania Cracks Down on Cigarette Smuggling Network Using Weather Balloons
Lithuanian authorities have arrested 21 individuals linked to a network smuggling cigarettes with weather balloons from Belarus. Extensive searches yielded contraband, firearms, and luxury items. The operation involved over 140 officers and highlighted security risks requiring airport and border closures due to frequent airspace violations.
Lithuanian authorities say 21 people have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in cigarette smuggling from Belarus using balloons.
Associated Press News
Lithuania arrests 21 in alleged cigarette smuggling ring using weather balloons from Belarus
Lithuanian authorities have arrested 21 people allegedly linked to a criminal network smuggling cigarettes using weather balloons from Belarus.
Lithuanian officials detained 21 people on Tuesday. They are allegedly connected to a criminal network of cigarette smugglers from Belarus using weather balloons that violate Lithuanian airspace, TASR reports, citing an AP report. Investigators conducted more than 80 searches and seized cigarettes with Belarusian stamps, SIM cards, devices for jamming communications and surveillance signals and firearms, the Lithuanian Prosecutor General's Offic…
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