Since Monday, October 5, a trial involving 18 defendants has begun in the correctional court in Lyon, France, concerning the trafficking of counterfeit cigarettes. The investigation led to the seizure of over 33 tonnes of tobacco, specifically cigarette cartridges from the brands Marlboro and Rothmans, with an estimated market value of 17.37 million euros. The fiscal damage to the state, due to lost tax revenue, is estimated at 15.15 million euros. The defendants, primarily from Eastern Europe, are being tried for alleged involvement in a highly organized criminal supply chain that operated across multiple regions. The investigation uncovered several storage locations in the Rhône department, including Décines-Charpieu, Vaulx-en-Velin, and Brignais. Authorities suspect that the supply of counterfeit cigarettes originated from Poland, where cigarette manufacturing factories were allegedly dismantled during the investigation. According to reports from Le Progrès, a 51-year-old man residing in Villeurbanne is believed to have directed the network. During the trial, he is said to have admitted to bringing eight trucks loaded with counterfeit cigarettes into the area over a two-year period. Other defendants are suspected of playing various roles in the operation, such as receiving deliveries, collecting payments, managing local resellers, or ensuring the distribution of the counterfeit cigarettes. The 18 defendants now face multiple charges, including smuggling tobacco in an organized group, participation in a criminal association, and aggravated money laundering. These charges reflect the scale and complexity of the operation, which authorities describe as highly organized and well-coordinated. The trial is expected to last approximately ten days, with a verdict anticipated by October 15. The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating organized crime, particularly in the area of counterfeit goods, which not only undermines legitimate businesses but also results in significant financial losses for the state.