JTI takes a stand against illegal tobacco and the criminal gangs responsible for this trade.
Evidence suggests that the profits from illegal tobacco fund terrorism, and are traded by the same criminal organizations who traffic people, drugs and weapons. Buying and selling cheap illegal tobacco is not a victimless crime. It’s a crime with consequences. Cheap comes at a price: illegal tobacco ruins communities and local businesses.
In Bulgaria, JTI plays a major role in the initiative ‘Against Illicit Cigarettes Trade’, a program to combat illegal tobacco.
Illegal tobacco is often concealed in vehicles, and is difficult for border enforcement to detect. JTI supports Bulgaria’s Customs Agency and contributed towards the purchase of a mobile scanner. With this state-of the art equipment the border control teams can scan passing vehicles, making detection easier.
We also contributed towards providing a video surveillance system to the Customs Agency. Installed at the border checkpoint with Serbia, it provides a powerful deterrent to the criminals who attempt to bring illegal tobacco across this border crossing area.
Another example of JTI’s partnerships is a program to help authorities combat the problem of counterfeit tobacco. Economic police officers from Bulgaria received training on how to identify fake products from experts at JTI’s Research and Development center in Trier, Germany.
JTI was also pleased to host a regional conference to discuss the key challenges of illicit trade. The event brought together experts from JTI, key government decision makers, non-government associations and the media from across the South-Eastern Europe region.
JTI only sells its products to supply chain partners that have an unquestioned reputation for honesty and integrity. We work with our business partners to ensure the security of our shipments and guarantee the legitimacy of JTI’s customers. Our strict internal controls also include monitoring sales and ensuring that action is taken against any businesses involved in the sale of illegal tobacco.
Marton Pataki, Country Manager of JTI in Bulgaria, says: "Illegal tobacco no longer represents a significant portion of the market in Bulgaria. In fact, Bulgaria now has the lowest level of illegal cigarettes trade in the EU, according to the latest data from 2023. This achievement is the result of consistent efforts and measures taken by both the authorities and the legal industry. Ensuring low levels of illegal tobacco remains a top priority for the company. Illegal products are damaging the interests of the state budget and create various negative factors in society."