Authorities have uncovered a major illegal cigarette manufacturing operation in northern Sweden. Six men now face charges for serious tax crimes after police discovered a complete cigarette factory in Lövånger, a small town south of Skellefteå.
The investigation began when firefighters responded to a blaze at an old dairy facility earlier this year. During firefighting operations, they discovered massive quantities of tobacco stored throughout the building. The facility contained industrial machinery and conveyor belts designed for cigarette production.
Prosecutors revealed they had been monitoring the suspects since October. "We were close to raiding the factory even before the fire occurred," said prosecutor Louise Ahlmark. "We employed secret surveillance methods including camera monitoring and wiretaps."
The accused men manufactured and stored more than 17 tons of smoking tobacco and over 2.1 million cigarettes. Their operation aimed to evade tobacco taxes, with suspected tax losses reaching at least 47 million Swedish kronor (approximately $4.5 million).
Following the fire, authorities arrested three suspects for serious tax crimes. One was a 70-year-old man connected to the building. Throughout the autumn, additional individuals were detained, including several foreign citizens. Two suspects were apprehended abroad.
Tax crimes cost Sweden billions of kronor annually in lost revenue. While this particular case involves 47 million kronor, officials believe the actual amount may be much higher. "These are funds that should have supported our collective welfare system," Ahlmark emphasized. "The money could have gone toward schools, healthcare, or infrastructure projects.
Sweden maintains some of Europe's highest tobacco taxes, creating strong financial incentives for illegal manufacturing. The country has struggled with tobacco smuggling for decades, but domestic illegal factories represent an evolving challenge for authorities.
The Swedish legal system treats tax evasion particularly seriously when organized crime elements are involved. Convictions for serious tax crimes can result in substantial prison sentences alongside financial penalties.
Prosecutors assess that no cigarettes left the factory before authorities shut down the operation. This suggests the illegal enterprise was intercepted before its products could reach consumers.
The case highlights ongoing challenges in combating organized tax crime across the Nordic region. Similar illegal tobacco operations have been discovered in neighboring countries in recent years, indicating regional criminal networks are adapting to enforcement efforts.
What makes this case notable is the industrial scale of the operation within Sweden's borders. Most illegal tobacco typically enters the country through smuggling rather than domestic production. This factory represents a sophisticated attempt to bypass both customs controls and tax authorities simultaneously.
The location in rural northern Sweden may have been chosen precisely for its remoteness. Criminal organizations often establish operations in less populated areas where surveillance is less intensive and large industrial spaces are more readily available.
Authorities continue investigating potential connections to broader criminal networks. The involvement of foreign nationals suggests possible international dimensions to the case that may lead to further revelations about tobacco trafficking patterns in Scandinavia.