Authorities uncover illegal vape delivery scheme in Almaty

The Financial Monitoring Agency of Kazakhstan has uncovered the illegal activities of a group that traded vapes, vape flavors and liquids in Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan. To sell vape products, the perpetrators used the Telegram channel Escobar Optom, delivering orders via courier.

During the sting operation, law enforcement officials identified illegal warehouses and points of sale, seizing over 150,000 vapes worth around $1.8 million.

«The products were actively distributed among minors, including high school students. The organizers of the illegal business deliberately supplied e-cigarettes to teenagers, putting their health at serious risk,» the agency emphasized.

No additional details have been provided, as the investigation is still underway.

The production, import and sale of vapes and their accessories have been prohibited in Kazakhstan since June 2024. Any violation of the law is considered a criminal offense. However, nearly a year after the ban, vapes are still being sold on the black market — much like many other illegal drugs.