Police have launched an investigation into companies suspected of manufacturing and selling liquid electronic cigarettes by deceiving them.
The police booked five people, including company A, a liquid seller, three companies, including a partner manufacturer, and company A's advisor B, on charges of violating the Tobacco Business Act.
Nicotine liquid, which is the raw material for the liquid, is divided into natural nicotine made from tobacco leaves, etc., and synthetic nicotine whose carcinogens have been reduced through chemical processing.
Company A is accused of selling natural nicotine by disguising it as synthetic nicotine.
Under the current law, natural nicotine is subject to a tax of 1,799 won per 1 ml, including tobacco consumption tax, but synthetic nicotine is not classified as a cigarette and is therefore exempt from tax.
Police suspect that these companies may have used shortcuts to avoid paying taxes.
