Scammers wanted to illegally smuggle e-cigarettes into the country in packs to avoid import duties. Tax evaders were particularly clever who wanted to illegally import 1000 e-cigarettes to Austria via a shipping company.
But they had reckoned without the tax collectors from the Treasury: because they were smarter! They discovered the deliveries in the middle of the Easter post and immediately came across two deceitful packets in which they found the electronic cigarettes neatly packed in different flavors.
Breaking two laws
But in doing so, the “e-cigarette mafia” simultaneously violated two laws: first, against the mail order ban on tobacco products, and second, import duties had to be circumvented in this way. In this prohibited manner, it is not possible to check the age of the addressee or to check whether the products contain components other than nicotine that are harmful to health.
“Once again, our customs officials have protected Austria as a place of business and the health of many citizens,” said Finance Minister Magnus Brunner. He thanked his successful officials.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
