Who is dragging out the process against Orion Tobacco

The Economic Security Bureau (ESB) announced the cessation of the illegal activities of the company “Orion Tobacco” in Odesa Oblast. Equipment for the production of counterfeit tobacco products was seized.

Link to Alperin

According to the investigation, a group of individuals linked to Vadim Alperin, known for his criminal reputation, is involved in the illegal activities. They are accused of manufacturing and storing counterfeit excise stamps, which were used for the sale of tobacco products.
In simpler terms, this involves excise fraud, depriving the state budget, and consequently the army, of much-needed funds.

Judicial twists

The prosecutor filed a motion with the Shevchenkivskyi District Court of Kyiv to seize the confiscated equipment. However, the hearing presided over by Judge Vitaliy Tsyktych did not take place. The reasons for the postponement remained unknown.

Notably, this court has repeatedly issued decisions to return seized equipment to its owners, allowing the illegal production to resume.

Hopes for justice

One can only hope that this time the delay is due to the judge’s thorough and careful examination of all case materials. Perhaps Tsyktych is preparing to deliver a fair decision that will uphold the rule of law, rather than the interests of criminal business.