German police have arrested a 45-year-old Bulgarian citizen who is suspected of having significant involvement in the establishment and operation of two illegal cigarette factories in Velbert and Radewormwald, the German electronic media outlet "Localkompass" reported, BTA reported.
Among other things, it is alleged that he organized the distribution of illegally produced and untaxed cigarettes. A total of 12 properties were searched yesterday, seven of which in Wuppertal, two in Schwelm, one in Dortmund and two in Düsseldorf, the media outlet added.
In addition to the home of the main suspect, these were also the homes of two other Bulgarian citizens (aged 51 and 52) in Wuppertal, who are suspected of involvement in evading taxes on tobacco products and in money laundering.
In addition, warehouses and commercial premises of companies and other properties were searched, which are alleged to have been used for the crimes or served as places to store documents. In addition to data carriers, a large number of documents were found, which are to be analyzed for further investigations.