site.btaCigarettes Worth Around EUR 7 Mln Discovered in Bulgarian-operated Illegal Factories in Spain

Cigarettes Worth Around EUR 7 Mln Discovered in Bulgarian-operated Illegal Factories in Spain

Madrid, July 11 (BTA Special Correspondent Dimiter Abrashev) - Cigarettes worth around seven million euro have been discovered in three illegal cigarette-making factories operated by Bulgarians in Spain, sources familiar with the investigation told BTA.

Some 20 Bulgarians and two Spaniards were detained a few days ago in a large-scale operation, conducted jointly by Spanish and Bulgarian law-enforcement officers against the illegal manufacturing of cigarettes. The busted factories were operating in the Spanish cities of Toledo, Salamanca and Malaga.

The illegal facilities had modern and mostly new equipment, while all the buildings were made soundproof, making it even impossible to detect the generators inside.

The cigarettes were mainly smuggled into England and France.

A singe machine produced around 120 master cases of cigarettes per day. A designated person was responsible for supplying food and water and there was even a cook.

Some of the detained Bulgarians had previous work experience in cigarette manufacturing, but later found themselves on the wrong side of the law, sources commented.

A large part of the Bulgarians had lived on the premises of the illegal factories and some are known to the authorities for previous offences committed in the Netherlands.

A joint news conference by Bulgarian and Spanish authorities is planned for Monday.

The illegal operations were masterminded by a Bulgarian national. Charges have been pressed for crimes against industrial property, tax violations, money laundering and involvement in a criminal organization.