World · Europe · 1 hr ago
Eight arrested after clandestine cigarette factory found near Viterbo
Italy’s Guardia di Finanza found an illegal cigarette factory in Settevene near Viterbo.
Officers arrested eight people: seven were working inside the factory, and one was driving a truck carrying tobacco products.
They seized about 20 tonnes of tobacco and finished goods, with an estimated value of €7.5 million.
The factory made counterfeit Winston and Marlboro cigarettes, using an automated production line.
Investigators allege the operation involved cigarette smuggling and counterfeit brands.
Officials said the production had no health checks and used rudimentary methods to treat tobacco, raising risks for consumers.
The investigation began after officers noticed hurried loading near a warehouse, and the eight people were arrested at the scene.
Italian financial police found and shut down an illegal cigarette factory in the Settevene area near Viterbo.
Eight people were arrested in the operation.
Authorities seized about 20 tonnes of tobacco and finished products, with an estimated value of €7.5 million.
Seven Paraguayan nationals were found working at the factory, while another person was arrested while driving a truck carrying tobacco.
Investigators said the factory made counterfeit Winston and Marlboro cigarettes using an automated production line.
- Who
- Italy’s Guardia di Finanza arrested eight people, including seven Paraguayan nationals found working at the factory.
- What
- Officers found and dismantled an illegal cigarette factory and seized about 20 tonnes of tobacco and finished products.
- When
- The operation was reported on October 20, 2026; the investigation began in the days before the operation.
- Where
- In the Settevene area near Viterbo, Italy.
- Why
- The investigation concerned suspected cigarette smuggling and the use of counterfeit trademarks.
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A patrol noticed hurried loading activity near a warehouse already under police observation.
Police stopped a truck on the S.S. Cassia heading toward Rome and found about six tonnes of processed tobacco.
Officers entered the warehouse, found seven people working in the factory and arrested them; the truck driver had also been arrested.
News outlets reported the operation and the seizure of about 20 tonnes of tobacco and finished products.
- Arrests
- 8 people
- Seizure
- About 20 tonnes of tobacco and finished products
- Estimated value
- €7.5 million
- Location
- Settevene area, near Viterbo
- Factory workers
- 7 Paraguayan nationals
- Production line cost
- About €2 million