The 'sophisticated' site was capable of producing seven million cigarettes a week, HMRC says
The men were arrested on suspicion of fraudulent evasion of duty.that because the investigation was ongoing they could not say where in the city the factory was found or why the Polish authorities were involved.
They said the "sophisticated set up" was capable of producing more than seven million cigarettes a week and included professional extraction systems, insulation to hide noise and sleeping space for staff, with an estimated outlay of £1m for the work. Richard Las, Head of Operations, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: "This was one of the most sophisticated tobacco factories we have ever uncovered, and our work with our international partners to dismantle it will be a significant blow to the organised criminals we believe are behind it.
"The illicit tobacco trade steals money from our vital public services, undercuts legitimate businesses and can fund other crimes that impact our communities, such as guns, drugs and human trafficking.HMRC said the tobacco would have brought in more than £130m a year had it been legally registered.
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