Largest Illegal Cigarette Factory Discovered in Italy

Authorities in Italy have recently uncovered what is being described as the largest illegal cigarette production facility ever found in the country. The operation, concealed within an abandoned logistics warehouse near Frosinone, a city located south of Rome, was revealed to be a sophisticated underground bunker. During the operation, law enforcement seized an astonishing 300 tons of illegally manufactured cigarettes, marking this as the largest quantity ever confiscated in Italy.

One suspect has been arrested, and multiple charges for serious smuggling offenses have been filed. Investigators estimate that the operation evaded approximately 600 million euros in taxes, with illegal profits believed to total around 130 million euros. Additionally, authorities have confiscated assets valued at 53 million euros.

The bunker, which featured a fully equipped underground complex, included production halls, storage areas, and living quarters designed to accommodate up to 18 workers. It also had essential amenities such as a kitchen, bathrooms, and a workshop. The facility was outfitted with advanced technology, including three production lines capable of processing tobacco and packaging cigarettes. This enabled the operation to produce up to 5,000 cigarettes per minute, translating to a staggering output of 7.2 million cigarettes daily.

In addition to the seized cigarettes, more than 150 tons of smuggled products from various brands intended for the Italian and broader EU market were discovered on-site. Authorities also found 12 million counterfeit cigarette packs, 15 million filters, and various machines used in the production process. The total estimated value of the factory's equipment alone is reported to exceed 1.75 million euros.