Smuggling of cigarettes, 23 precautionary measures and seizures for 140 million in Turin

A joint operation by the Guardia di Finanza and the Carabinieri in Turin has dismantled a transnational criminal network engaged in the illegal production and trafficking of processed tobacco products. The operation, named “Chain smoking,” resulted in 23 precautionary measures against individuals and the seizure of assets worth nearly 140 million euros. The investigation revealed the existence of five clandestine factories operating within the city and surrounding areas, producing up to 48,000 packs of cigarettes daily and generating multimillion-dollar revenues. The operation began several months ago, with authorities identifying the hidden facilities in early October 2025. These factories were located in industrial zones near Turin, including the neighborhoods of Madonna di Campagna, Barca, and Rebaudengo, as well as the municipalities of Caselle Torinese, Venaria Reale, and Avigliana. Each facility was equipped with advanced machinery and technological equipment, enabling them to produce counterfeit cigarettes under false brand names. The illicit operations involved the storage of over 230 tons of processed tobacco sourced outside the European Union, along with 22 tons of pre-packaged cigarettes and almost 538 million components, filters, cigarette paper, and packaging materials, for manufacturing and wrapping. The scale of the operation highlights the sophistication of the criminal enterprise. According to initial estimates by the Guardia di Finanza and the Carabinieri, the group could have supplied at least 35 million packs of cigarettes to the black market, equivalent to approximately 700 tons of product. The workers were reportedly subjected to exploitative conditions, working long hours without proper safety protections. The factories operated using generators to avoid drawing attention through high energy consumption, while windows were covered and internal lighting was limited to maintain secrecy. The operation involved more than 130 officers from both agencies, who coordinated efforts to dismantle the network. The seized assets included not only physical evidence but also financial resources linked to the crime. The criminal organization’s ability to operate undetected for so long underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating organized crime in the tobacco sector. The use of counterfeit branding further complicates regulatory oversight, as such activities often evade detection and legal consequences. Authorities emphasized that the operation was the result of extensive investigative work, spanning several months. The identification of the clandestine factories required careful surveillance and intelligence gathering. The involvement of multiple jurisdictions and the cross-border nature of the operation highlight the complexity of modern smuggling networks. The use of sophisticated technology and covert methods demonstrates the adaptability of these groups in circumventing traditional enforcement mechanisms. The dismantling of this network represents a major victory for Italian law enforcement in the fight against illegal tobacco trade. It also serves as a warning to other potential offenders, demonstrating the commitment of authorities to combatting organized crime in this area. The operation will likely lead to further investigations into related activities and the prosecution of additional suspects. As the case moves forward, the legal proceedings will provide further insight into the structure and reach of the criminal organization.