Trial begins for seven men in major Swedish tobacco smuggling case

A trial has started against seven men aged 20 to 40 in connection with a major tobacco smuggling ring uncovered last autumn in central Sweden. The men are suspected of serious tax crimes related to the sale of at least ten tons of tobacco and over 25 million Swedish kronor in unpaid taxes. On September 16, police conducted raids on several premises in Arboga, Köping, Strängnäs, and Lindesberg, seizing tobacco, machinery, and cash. Police had been monitoring the gang, observing how they purchased ingredients in stores and from abroad to produce hookah tobacco, which they then sold to customers across the country. Six of the seven men are charged with serious tax offenses for allegedly failing to pay tax on the tobacco sales, involving tens of thousands of kilograms of tobacco and at least 25 million kronor in unpaid excise tax. According to reports, the men risk both imprisonment and deportation if convicted, and all reportedly deny the crimes.