ACTION IN FIGHT AGAINST ILLICIT TRADE IN EXCISE PRODUCTS ONGOING UPON ORDER BY BIH PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE

Several dozen police officers of the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) are conducting searches and depriving suspects of liberty in the areas of Banjaluka and Tuzla. Prosecutor of the Prosecutor’s Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina is currently in the field in Banjaluka, together with his team, coordinating the activities of police officers.

Since early morning, actions of depriving suspects of liberty and searches of the facilities and premises used by the suspects are being carried out at three (3) locations in the areas of Banjaluka and Tuzla.

This investigation pertains to persons suspected of the commission of the criminal offences of Organized Crime, as referred to in Article 250 of the Criminal Code of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in conjunction with the criminal offence of Illicit Trade in Excise Products, as referred to in Article 210a of the Criminal Code of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

A thorough investigation has resulted in the collection of evidence indicating that, for a longer period of time, these suspects were carrying out an illicit trade in larger quantities of excise products- cigarettes, as an organized criminal group, thus damaging the budget of Bosnia and Herzegovina for a substantial amount, while acquiring unlawful property gain for themselves. 

Following the deprivations of liberty, the Prosecutor in charge of this case will question the suspects and thereafter make a decision in respect of further activities, in accordance with the law.  

The Prosecutor’s Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina and SIPA are undertaking intensive activities aimed at fighting illicit trade in excise products which causes great damage to the budget of Bosnia and Herzegovina and thus to all the citizens of our country.