8.5 million illegal cigarettes that was smuggled in window frames and laundry bags worth £2.8 million have been seized, destined for the UK.
Three Lithuanian men, Andrej Jerofejev, 53, Vilmantas Simaitis, 48, and Martynas Nazaras, 38, have been jailed for 4 years and 9 months after being extradited back to the UK following a tax investigation by the HMRC.
The tobacco haul was found in a farm unit in Lincoln on 15 June 2017 with the investigation, extradition from Lithuania, and sentencing ending on 18 February 2020.
The sentences are as follows:
- Andrej Jerofejev, DOB 13/10/1964, of House 8, Flat 30, Giluzio St, Bilaite, Vilnius, Lithuania. Admitted to the Fraudulent Evasion of Excise Duty. Sentenced to 18 months in prison at Nottingham Crown Court on 22 October 2019.
- Vilmantas Simaitis, DOB 22/11/1971, of Dariaus ir Gireno, 1-10, Altyus, Lithuania. Admitted to the Fraudulent Evasion of Excise Duty. Sentenced to 21 months in prison at Nottingham Crown Court on 18 February 2020.
- Martynas Nazaras, DOB 19/08/1981, of Vyduno 27, Vilnius, Lithuania. Admitted to the Fraudulent Evasion of Excise Duty. Sentenced to 18 months in prison at Nottingham Crown Court on 18 February 2020.