The wife of a Ukrainian diplomat attempted to smuggle 141 thousand packs of cigarettes into the European Union

At the border crossing between “Zahony – Chop,” Hungarian customs officials discovered the cigarettes hidden in a minibus driven by the wife of a Ukrainian diplomat. Despite the minibus having diplomatic plates, customs officers found the cargo compartment sealed with a fake Ukrainian diplomatic seal, indicating immunity.

When customs officers ordered a thorough search, the driver and passenger barricaded themselves in the cabin and made phone calls. Taking advantage of a moment, a customs officer opened the vehicle’s door and discovered the illicit goods.

The confiscated cigarettes, totaling 141,500 packs, lacked excise stamps and were concealed in black plastic wrapping. The driver was detained, while the diplomat’s wife, a Ukrainian citizen, was permitted to leave due to diplomatic immunity.