The Investigation Service of Georgia’s Ministry of Finance uncovered 16 cases of illegal handling of excisable goods during operative-search and investigative actions conducted nationwide in January 2026.
The Ministry stated that the cases involved the storage, transportation and sale of large quantities of cigarettes subject to mandatory excise marking but distributed without excise stamps. In total, 18 individuals were charged in connection with the offenses, eight of whom were detained.
Investigators seized 18,185 boxes of non-excised cigarettes of various brands that were intended for sale. The total market value of the confiscated goods exceeds GEL 117,780.
Criminal proceedings have been launched under Article 200 of the Criminal Code of Georgia. The offense is punishable by imprisonment ranging from four to six years. The investigation is ongoing.
