Cigarette smuggling on the Chisinau-Bucharest train: police dismantle network involving CFM employees
Authorities are investigating a network allegedly involving employees of "Calea Ferată din Moldova" for cigarette smuggling on the Chisinau-Bucharest train route. According to the General Inspectorate of Police, this network reportedly exploited their access to railway infrastructure to facilitate the illegal transport of tobacco products across the state border.
On November 10, investigation officers, supported by the BPDS “Fulger” undercover team, carried out simultaneous searches at the homes of the suspects, the locomotive and wagon depot in Chisinau, and on the Chisinau-Bucharest train route.
During these searches, law enforcement officials uncovered over 120,000 hidden cigarettes in the railway depot that were intended for illegal transportation across the border. Additionally, they seized 50,000 lei and 4,755 euros from one of the suspects, which is believed to be proceeds from their illicit activities.
Authorities continue their procedural actions to identify all individuals involved in this case.
Under current legislation, individuals found guilty of smuggling excise goods under aggravating circumstances face a prison sentence ranging from 4 to 10 years.
We remind you that the Chisinau-Bucharest train arrived at its destination on November 10 with a delay of more than four hours. Representatives from the "Calea Ferată din Moldova" enterprise stated that the delay was due to extensive customs inspections conducted at the Ungheni crossing point.
