On September 10-13, the 23rd traditional annual Task Group Cigarette Conference was held in Sofia, capital of Republic of Bulgaria, organized by European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF). Head of Tbilisi Main Division of the Investigation Department of Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance of Georgia, Mr. George Elgandashvili took part in a conference.

Within the frames of the conference, participants discussed modern methods of combating cigarette smuggling, ways, risks and challenges of penetration of cigarettes into the European market.

Representative of Investigation Service of Ministry of Finance of Georgia, made a presentation concerning the activities carried out by Investigation Service towards suppression of cigarette smuggling on the European Union black market, by means of transit through Georgia.

Annual conference of the European Anti-Fraud Office is a very important platform for participating countries to get familiarized with the best practices of combating against cigarette smuggling, exchange the experience and establish new professional contacts. 

The hosts of the conference were the representatives of Customs Service of Republic of Bulgaria. Representatives of the law enforcement agencies from Georgia, Turkey, Serbia, Russia and other countries attended the event, together with representatives of the law enforcement agencies of member states of the European Union.