Authorities suspect that tens of millions of cigarettes have been illegally imported into Finland concealed within legitimate freight shipments. The smuggling operation is described as organized and professional.
Finnish Customs (Tulli) estimates that over 45 million cigarettes have been illegally brought into the country. Approximately one-sixth of these – around 7.7 million – have been successfully seized.
The illicit imports have resulted in a loss of approximately 17 million euros in import taxes for the state. Customs estimates the perpetrators profited over three million euros from their activities, and the case is being investigated as aggravated tax fraud. Several foreign nationals have been detained since October 2025.
Customs has collaborated with international authorities during the investigation. The case will be transferred to the Southern Finland Prosecutor’s Office for consideration in March.
Multiple Warehouses in Uusimaa
According to preliminary investigations, the cigarettes were imported into Finland alongside legal commercial freight beginning in late 2024. False shipping documents and concealing loads were used to mislead authorities, according to Customs.
The suspects reportedly rented multiple warehouses in the Helsinki metropolitan area, with landlords unaware of the true purpose of the properties.
Shipments arrived by truck and were received at the warehouses, unloaded at night, and quickly distributed. Investigations reveal the cigarettes were distributed from the capital region to other parts of Finland.
The investigation began to unravel in August 2025 during another criminal investigation, when hundreds of thousands of illegally imported cigarettes were found in vehicles. In October 2025, Customs seized nearly six million cigarettes from a warehouse in Vihti during an operation. An additional one million cigarettes were seized from a van and a warehouse in Vantaa.
“Encrypted instant messaging applications were used in the organization of imports and distribution, and the suspects’ vehicles were equipped with GPS jammers,” said investigation leader Janne Mikkonen in a statement.
Customs assesses that illegal cigarette trade in Finland has been increasing over the past five years. Last year, Customs seized 16.5 million cigarettes, and approximately 7.1 million in 2024.
Cigarette seizures in 2023 totaled 2.8 million. This year, Customs has seized over 15 million illegally imported cigarettes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What quantity of cigarettes does Customs suspect has been smuggled into Finland?
Customs suspects that over 45 million cigarettes have been illegally imported into Finland.
How much money has the state lost due to this illegal activity?
The state has lost nearly 17 million euros in import taxes as a result of the illegal imports.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The case will be transferred to the Southern Finland Prosecutor’s Office for consideration in March. Several foreign nationals have been detained.
How might increased international collaboration impact efforts to disrupt these types of smuggling operations?
