Taking a stand against illegal tobacco

Taking a stand against illegal tobacco

The global trade in illegal tobacco products is a growing problem in Austria.

Around 11 percent of the cigarettes smoked in Austria are non-domestic duty paid. This caused a loss in domestic tax revenue of around EUR 260 million in 2020 – money that could have been spent on public services.

Buying and selling illegal cigarettes is not a victimless crime – it is a crime with consequences. Evidence shows that illegal tobacco products are traded by criminal organizations with links to serious crime and even terrorism. The same gangs who smuggle guns, drugs and people.

They smuggle tobacco products into countries where they are sold at around half the usual retail price; in doing so, they finance criminal activities in our society.

Ralf-Wolfgang Lothert, Director Corporate Affairs & Communications, said: "Here at JTI, our products are manufactured in the most strictly regulated conditions. But with illegal tobacco, there are no guarantees about the quality of the product. For smokers who buy these illegal products, cheap comes at a price. They don't know what they're buying."

"The trade in illegal tobacco products is linked to organized crime and even terrorism."

That is why JTI is taking a stand against smuggling. We work with law enforcement by sharing intelligence and expertise. We measure the extent of the black market and share the information with our partners in the fight against this crime. And we are committed to making sure that those involved face the appropriate consequences.

The trade in illegal tobacco products is linked to organized crime and even terrorism.
Ralf-Wolfgang Lothert, Director Corporate Affairs & Communications, JTI Austria