Lithuania delivered a massive blow to the "balloon" mafia: leaders and dozens of smugglers detained
Lithuanian law enforcement agencies carried out an unprecedented operation against an organized group involved in smuggling cigarettes from Belarus using meteorological balloons. As a result of the operation, 21 people were detained, including the alleged leaders of the criminal organization.
All photos: Lithuanian police
More than 140 officers participated in the operation and searches, including members of the "Aras" counter-terrorism unit, reports 15min.lt.
On Tuesday morning, 21 people were detained, including the organizers of the criminal group.
In addition to smuggling, they are suspected of aiding a foreign state in activities against Lithuania.
After more than 80 searches, cigarettes with Belarusian excise stamps, SIM cards, surveillance and communication equipment, firearms, and other items were found and confiscated.
Property, including luxury cars and other valuables, totaling approximately 720 thousand euros, was confiscated and seized.
According to investigative data, the criminal group operated systematically, with very strict conspiracy and distribution of roles. The organizers maintained direct contacts with accomplices in Belarus. From Belarus, under favorable weather conditions, balloons carrying contraband were launched.
GPS equipment and special programs were used to track the movement of the balloons. The exact landing coordinates on the territory of Lithuania were transmitted to the perpetrators.
Law enforcement agencies emphasize that this criminal activity caused immense damage to the national security and economic interests of the country, and also posed a threat to civil aviation.
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