Customs investigation busts huge hookah tobacco gang in Rems-Murr district!

Customs investigation busts huge hookah tobacco gang in Rems-Murr district!

In a spectacular operation on July 3, 2025, investigators caught a gang in the Stuttgart area that was illegally producing and selling hookah tobacco. How ZVW reported, the access was coordinated by the Stuttgart customs investigation office, which mobilized over 100 emergency services and searched around 20 buildings, including residential properties and commercially used rooms.

The searches resulted in the seizure of an impressive amount of evidence. In addition to three professional production facilities for the production of water pipe tobacco, the customs investigation also confiscated 400 kilograms of finished tobacco as well as 500 kilograms of raw materials and 500 liters of substitutes. In addition, extensive packaging material and technical equipment was seized, which made illegal production possible.

Impact and investigations

The scale of the illegal business is shocking: the tax loss determined amounts to around 1.5 million euros. The investigation, which has been ongoing since 2023 into similar allegations, is aimed at five men from Syria, aged 28 to 36. How Press portal According to reports, the alleged head of the group is currently in custody.

In order to secure the suspects' financial resources, the tax authorities have already imposed an arrest amounting to 1.5 million euros. Valuable personal items, including two cars, watches and electronic devices, were also seized.

The legal framework and the importance of the case

The legal regulations for the production and distribution of water pipe tobacco are subject to strict requirements in Germany. The current investigations come in the context of increasing activities by customs authorities aimed at stopping illegal tobacco trade. The responsible authorities emphasize that combating tax evasion and illegal trading is a top priority. Such operations also make it clear that the authorities have a good hand when it comes to dismantling criminal networks and ensuring law and order.

The case not only raises questions about the situation in the hookah industry, but also illustrates the commitment of the public prosecutor's office and the customs investigation office to take action against the increased shadow economy. The investigation is ongoing and the authorities hope to uncover further background information and accomplices in these criminal activities.