Organized Group Convicted in Lithuania for Hot Air Balloon Cigarette Smuggling

A court in Druskininkai has convicted two members of an organized group for their involvement in smuggling cigarettes into Lithuania using hot air balloons. The smuggling operation, which involved accomplices in Belarus and Lithuania, took place between May and November 2025.

During this period, the group successfully smuggled and intercepted at least 9,000 packs of Belarusian cigarettes, including brands like "Minsk 5 Super Slims," "Minsk Capital QS," and "NZ Gold." These cigarettes, marked with Belarusian tax stamps, were valued at approximately 45,000 euros.

The organized group utilized hot air balloons, GPS devices, and mobile communication tools to systematically transport large quantities of cigarettes across the state border from Belarus into Lithuania. The convicted individuals played roles in receiving the smuggled cigarettes, concealing them, and transferring them to other members of the group.

The court sentenced one defendant, E.N., to 1 year and 2 months of imprisonment, while the other, L.K., received an 8-month sentence. Both sentences were suspended, contingent on the individuals securing employment, continuing their work, and adhering to a curfew from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., unless related to their jobs.

Additionally, the court ordered the defendants to jointly pay a sum equivalent to the value of confiscated assets, including SAAB, VW Golf, and Škoda Octavia cars, along with their illegal earnings. The investigation was led by the Kaunas Regional Prosecutor's Office, with the inquiry conducted by officers from the State Border Guard Service.