Overview
- Prosecutors in Düsseldorf, the Essen customs investigation office, and the BKA are appealing for information on the whereabouts of Ihor Libych, featured on ZDF’s Aktenzeichen XY on Wednesday evening.
- Libych, 37 and from Ukraine, is suspected of organizing production, logistics, and distribution for a professional illegal cigarette operation that allegedly evaded tobacco taxes.
- Authorities say he may be in Germany, possibly near Aachen, or elsewhere in Europe, and they warn he could be dangerous or armed.
- The case stems from March 2025 raids at 14 sites in North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony that uncovered a major factory in Düsseldorf with industrial machinery, packaging lines, and worker accommodations, with cigarettes sold domestically and abroad.
- Twelve suspects were arrested; two trials are underway at the Düsseldorf Regional Court and eight defendants have confessed, while the alleged tax damage is put at roughly €55 million; tips can be reported to ZFA Essen at 0201/10282322.